Part of the Family

(The first picture I offer is from Harvey, at Town Theatre, taken by ME!)
Theatre is just one of those things that really completes my life. It doesn't matter what I'm doing - backstage, photos, Stage Manager, props, strike, or just hanging out - there's never a dull moment. I enjoy being around creative people - and Columbia is BLESSED (a word I don't use lightly, like every other South Carolinian I know).
One thing I love about theatre is the mix - I mean, we have a couple of REPUBLICANS! And a few lawyers. And some architects. Some waiters and waitresses. Nerdy financial guys. Old people. Young people. Children. Artists. Business Owners. Managers. Healthcare. The list goes on and on.
But when we are in that production, we are family. We see each other naked, or in various stages of undress, in moments of extreme emotion, and in moments of embarrassment. We see each other drunk, and sober. We meet the parents. We meet the kids. We eat, we drink, we sometimes see each other more than our real, actual, biological family.
And then, when the show ends, we might not see each other for several months, or even years. But when we get back into a show, or see each other "on the street," it's like no time has passed. Instant. Just like that.
Oh, sometimes we hang out in venues other than the theatre. Theatre people actually welcome you into their homes, let you crash if you need it, and don't judge if you misbehave. Theatre people show up at your place of work and make your day with a kind word or a favorite memory or story to tell.
And, if you are having a bad day, theatre people know how to cheer you up.
If YOU are not involved in theatre, you should try it! There are lots of great ways to get involved - Usher a show, work backstage, sew costumes, build sets, tear down sets, help out in the box office, be onstage (audition!), and so much more!

My blog is an effort to regain the writing habit, so if you thought this sucked, keep it to yourself. If you loved it, tell me! :)