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"How do I get to Carnegie Hall?"
"Practice."
I learned to sing relatively "late" in life. I was 25 and I wanted to audition for a musical at the local community theater, Carrollwood Players in Tampa, FL. I had never sung before, not even in the chorus during high school. But I love musicals and I really, really wanted a part in this musical. Let me repeat that: I wanted to be in this show. The musical was "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and I love all things Sondheim. I took voice lessons and I practiced. And practiced. And practiced. I should also mention that I was then a full-time student and working part-time. I also lived with my Mom.
My Mother thought I was nuts. She actually told me that I could not sing and that I was wasting my time. Thanks, Mom. I kept going. The auditions came. At the auditions, I was surrounded by "real" theater people. I thought, "What am I doing here?" My name was called and as I walked to the stage, I was literally shaking from head-to-toe. I opened my mouth and I bungled the first line. Stopped. Asked to try again and I sang my song. Not well but at least in tune. Finished the rest of the audition. I would get a phone call if I got a part. I went home. Two days passed.
Miraculously, I got a phone call from the director. I was offered a part in the chorus, Tintinabula. Yes, yes, yes, I'll do it. Tell me when and where. Rehearsals for a musical are life-consuming. There are lines, songs, and dances to learn. I used every spare minute either studying for school or practicing for the show. My Mother watched all of this and was a Deputy Downer. She never came to the rehearsals. She said I wasn't even getting paid for this...what was the point? The point was: I was having a glorious time. Where else would I be able to perform in a musical?? I was exhausted but it was worth it.
Cast Photo, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Forum." I am third from the left, in the black wig and the purple costume. |
Opening night. The show was a hit! Eleven amazing performances. We were voted the best show of the season! I was nominated for "Best Supporting Actress"!! I didn't win, which was not a surprise, because I didn't have a speaking role. Today, I still sing and my friends tell me that I have a beautiful voice. To which I always respond with a heartfelt, "Thank you."
This brings me to my writer's manifesto. Anyone can be a great writer. Anyone. I am learning how to write, I mean really write. To quote Fran MacDonald of the blog, Staying On Story: "If you want, you can be a great writer. You can write exactly the story or poem or song or article or book that you most want to read. Listen to [your] passion instead of your imaginary friend... As long as you have the nerve. Develop your own style, and develop it to the max. Don’t compromise on this."
I have taken Fran's advice to heart. I work full-time in a demanding job. I enjoy the work. But I love writing. So I come home and I'm exhausted. And I write. Every night. It takes me two hours to write a post. Slowly, I am getting better. Slowly, I am learning the craft of writing.
I want to write the stories that are living inside of me. I want my readers to connect to my stories, to feel the gamut of emotions and to walk away satisfied. That is my goal. And I am having a glorious time.
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