I was a shy, awkward kid. OK, I'm also a shy, awkward adult at times.
But a lot of the confidence and character that I do have was developed through the tutelage of some great high school teachers and coaches -- specifically, my drama teacher.
I had a real life "Throwback Thursday" moment last night when I attended the Aiken Community Playhouse Youth Wing Immersion Program's, "Broadway & Beyond" dress rehearsal. I was lucky enough to have a friend invite me to come along as her own bright-eyed, talented little girl is in the show.
I left the playhouse feeling nostalgic and energized.
Now, before I go any further, I'm going to start with the most important facts. This is the show's fifth year, and proceeds benefit the Immersion Program. The performance is tonight and Saturday. Not only do attendees get an amazing show, the money they spend on tickets ultimately impact the lives of Aiken's youth in marvelous ways. Great entertainment for an even greater cause? Why not go?
What I witnessed Thursday evening were children, teenagers and a few adults really shine on stage. Watching them perform took me back to my high school years when I decided to take a drama class in ninth grade.
That year was also when I discovered that I wanted to be a journalist. When I started telling people of the career I wanted to pursue, I got a few blank stares and nagging questions like, "Are you sure you want to do that?" Look, I was kind of timid, and I had a bit of a stuttering problem. I guess I could understand their doubt because journalism kind of requires you to, you know, talk to people, but despite my shy demeanor, I was also a determined kid.
During my first year of dabbling in drama, we performed a comedy, and I tried out for a speaking role. I bombed it, and was cast as a stage hand. Oh, and my teacher, Martha Wilson, with her wicked sense of humor, had the stage hands wear sweat suits covered in hand prints. Cute.
I landed a small speaking role during my sophomore year. I forgot my lines the night of the play.
But Wilson never gave up on me. She pushed me. My fellow classmates never judged me. And despite some stumbling on stage, both verbally and physically, the crowd never threw tomatoes at me.
Through workshops, improvisation and encouragement, I did get a little better. By my junior year, I scored a part as Frau Schmidt in "The Sound of Music." I didn't forget my lines, I projected and I nailed it.
Drama class gave me confidence and helped me find my voice. And, here I am today almost eight years into my journalism career. Sometimes, I'm still in awe that I made it this far.
The Immersion Program is doing the same for so many Aiken Community Playhouse Youth Wing students.
The program offers some of those students a chance to travel to New York to attend the Broadway Student Summit conference and private workshops at The Juilliard School and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Youth Wing director Jim Anderson said during the show last night that theatre is an art that helps students develop not just acting or production skills but life skills, too.
From helping a child develop their own identity through creative means to removing the fear of speaking publicly, drama is more than just performing and bowing before a cheering crowd at the end of a show. People carry that experience off the stage and instill it into their everyday lives.
More than 30 students and a few adults perform five originals along with songs from "Catch Me If You Can," "The Addams Family," "Big Fish," "Carousel," "Matilda" and "Kinky Boots."
It's a show you shouldn't miss. The cast has months of rehearsal behind them, and these students pour their hearts into each performance.
You'll also notice that being on stage brings each one of these young performers happiness, comfort and a chance to just glow.
So, if you don't have anything going on this, check out the show tonight or tomorrow.
You will laugh, you may cry, and you will definitely be astounded by the talent of these young actors.
Tickets are still available. For more information, call 803-648-1438 or visit www.aikencommunityplayhouse.us.
Amy Banton is the digital news editor for the Aiken Standard. She's a native of Rustburg, Virginia and a graduate of Randolph-Macon Woman's College.