Walking up the PAC staircase, a text message from an unknown number lit up my phone screen. I was about to delete the message and brush it off as spam when familiar words caught my eye, “The Inland Valley Repertory Theatre.” My stomach clenched up. I had auditioned for this theatre’s season a few weeks prior and hadn’t heard back. I was certain I wasn’t cast in the show because when it comes to auditions, no news is often bad news. I immediately opened my email inbox to find a casting offer for the Inland Valley Repertory Theatre’s production of Newsies the Musical. 

This summer, I performed in Newsies– my first professional production (but second production of Newsies)– with the Inland Valley Repertory Theatre (IVRT), a non-profit, regional theatre company that performs at various venues throughout the inland valley. I appeared as a member of the kids ensemble, a group of seven kids ages ranging 7-17 who supported the main cast of newsies during major musical numbers and ensemble scenes with quippy interjections and fierce poses. As an underaged performer, I was awarded a scholarship for my work with the theatre company. For most of my past theatrical experiences, I had to pay to participate, so getting paid for doing my favorite thing felt really special. 

Another aspect that was different about performing with IVRT from being in a show at Westridge or at a youth theatre was that I was surrounded by adult actors, people who do what I love as their job. Although it was at times difficult to keep up with the rapid pace of rehearsals, getting to see my castmates in action was ultimately very inspiring for me and solidified in my mind that I want to continue performing into adulthood. Observing the work ethic and talent of my actor counterparts pushed me to work harder on my musical theatre skills so that I could perform like them. I also learned how to conduct myself professionally in rehearsals by finding the perfect balance between having fun with the younger cast members during breaks to being laser focused as we went through the different vocal parts and blocking. Overall, I am extremely grateful that I was given the opportunity to perform with the company. I felt especially thankful while reminiscing on the past few years where I have devoted so much effort into this art. 

Throughout high school, I have focused many of my extracurricular hours towards theatre training. I have spent countless evenings in dance classes, teen programs at local theatres, acting courses, musical theatre intensives, and singing lessons. At Westridge, I have auditioned for every mainstage show and worked on 13 Westridge productions in total. I have worked immensely hard, and yet, rejection is just a part of life.

I have auditioned for many plays, musicals, and contests that have either turned me down or never gotten back to me. However, “nos” are not signs to stop trying, they are signs to try harder. For each rejection, I push myself further in my dance lessons, ask more questions at school rehearsals, and add more songs to my audition book– each “no” makes each “yes” a little more special. 

So, when I first learned about my offered role in Newsies, I was ecstatic. I cried and sang out to anyone who would listen about my upcoming role. This excitement carried through the rehearsal and performance process. I had wanted to be there for so long, and all of a sudden I was there. Technically, I’m still there. Currently, I’m in rehearsal for Shrek the Musical with IVRT at the Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga. 

So, if you take anything away from this humble brag that I got to work with a professional theatre company, let it be that you should go for the things you’re passionate about. In 9th grade, I was a very bad singer. I still don’t think I’m all that great, but I know I’m better than I was. My acting and dancing skills have also improved significantly. It can be hard when you feel like you are not a natural at something, but if your passion for that thing is natural, then it is probably worth pursuing. I won’t sugarcoat it, rejection is really hard. I still cry when I get cut from an audition, but you can’t stay stuck in the “I’m not good enough” mindset forever. I think there is a lot of value in those growth mindset videos they made us watch in the seventh grade. If you can see in your mind who you want to be, go after that dream fiercely and leave all embarrassment behind until you become that version of yourself.