After weeks and weeks of practice, it all comes down to this. Opening night!
The excitement is palatable. As I walk into the girl’s dressing room, I’m engulfed by the sound of my fellow Players singing along to the radio; “All my singles ladies!” Everyone is bustling around, putting on makeup, wigs and costumes. It’s very crowded in the little room, but everyone is having fun besides.
Before the play begins we all meet to hand off the chalice, which for this run is a little can of peas wearing a crown. The chalice is started by the director and is given to a different member of the cast before each show in recognition of their hard work. It is a simple gesture, but means a great deal to us all.
And then the moment we have all been waiting for; “Places!” As the curtain opens and we get the first glimpse of the audience, I get butterflies in my stomach all over again.
No matter how many times you practice a play, there is nothing quite like having an audience. The anticipation for seeing our show, which we had all worked so long on, actually being enjoyed is almost too much to bear!
Since the Renaissance Players are a community theater group, none of us get paid for this. We spend our time at the Center because we love it, not because we have to be there to make a living. I think that that is something that makes community theater shows so unique. We truly love what we do, because we do it purely for the love of it.
Amanda MollenhourLady Larken
