My first conscious realization that I liked to perform was from back in kindergarten, when I was unfairly beaten out of the role of “Ringmaster” is our one-time only, fully improvised production of Circus, written and viewed by no one. I was relegated to the role of “Dog” instead, but it was enough for me to realize that I liked to perform. From there it was an organic development to REAL productions, which has been a fairly steady thing in the decades since.
Like most performers, I think what keeps me happy is finding things I’m good at, then being praised for them. Most of us seem to have that in common. As such, among my favorite roles would be when I was “Judas” in Jesus Christ Superstar and “Anthony” in Sweeney Todd. I’ve also discover that I enjoy (and am generally good at) sound design and stage management, so I’d also have to toot my own horn for some especially creative sound cues for Black Eagles and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I’ve also learned/developed my own method for running both light and sound boards while also calling backstage cues, so I’m the only person needed in the booth, thanks to the program QLab.
I’m a theatre hobbyist and, despite the occasional stipend, have no plans on making theatre a full-time gig. As such, I’ll usually be heavily involved (acting or stage managing) in just a couple of productions a year, and sprinkle two or three less time-intensive projects (sound design) in there as time allows. For me, that is enough to keep me happy. I think it’s important for some folks to recognize that they don’t need to live in the theatre 24/7 to be appeased and, in many cases, being that deeply inundated could actually kill their love for the art. I’d also recommend to virtually anyone to make sure you get your feet wet in multiple facets of the arts. If you’re just an actor who never works backstage, you’ll never know what kind of mean things we techs are saying about your performance.
Actors, we are saying a lot of mean things about your performance.
The Theatre Ovation 