Things Theatre Kids Think on Opening Night

Written by Alex Cumming

May 22, 2019

1. Are any of my friends or family in the audience?

Just because I made them promise they would come, doesn’t mean they won’t back out last minute.

2. Are all my props where they need to be?

Checking for the fifth time won’t hurt? Right?

3. I hope my makeup doesn’t run.

The last thing any of us want is to watch the lead do the show with their fake eyelashes falling off the whole time. 

 

4. I have avoided dairy all week, so my voice is in tip-top shape

I have been strictly drinking honey tea only.

5. I have so much school work to do when this show ends!

Teachers accept show week as an excuse for late work, right?

6. What if my scene partner forgets their lines?

I am not emotionally prepared to improv Shakespeare.

7. I hope someone is recording.

I want my grandkids’ grandkids to be watching this performance.

8. What if nobody shows up?

How reliable is a Facebook event page really?

9. I can’t believe that freshman said MacB in the theater!

If something happens because of that kid, I can’t guarantee I won’t flip!

10. Wow, we only did our first run of the show last night.

Crazy to think just how far we’ve come.

11. Maybe this show will be my big break!

So I’ma act like everybody’s watching.

12. What if someone famous is in the audience?

An actor can dream.

13. I can’t believe how many times this blocking has changed.

How many times do you need to change two characters sitting and talking?

14. I cannot wait for how wild this cast party is gonna be!

I can and I will be letting my animal side out.

15. What will I do with all my free time when the show ends?

I probably should have been making plans…


Alex Cumming is an actor and improviser based out of Orlando.
Thumbnail image from Saturday Night Live. Copyright © NBC Universal 2009.