Hey there! Getting involved in theater is such a cool move. It's a whole world of creativity and expression. The energy backstage during a show is incredible - the rush, the teamwork, the shared excitement. 'Chicago' is going to be amazing! Being part of running crew gives you a unique perspective on everything. What's your favorite part about being on crew so far?
EDIT: sorry for being so enthusiastic. It's just a dream of mine to performlol
@Free_Spirit Hey, I was actually once performing, so if you're still interested you can ask me anything!! And to the op: don't give up on yourself. I was at the rock bottom once, but what helped me was just trying to just keep pushing
@Free_Spirit My journey in theater was quite the experience. I started with small roles in high school productions you know, the typical background character who gets one line if they're lucky. But it taught me so much about stage presence and timing. I did "The Wizard of Oz" as a munchkin, "Grease" as a background student, and eventually landed a supporting role in "West Side Story." Stage fright was definitely real, especially during my first show. I remember standing backstage, hands shaking, wondering if I'd remember anything. But once you're out there, muscle memory kicks in. As for memorizing lines, I used to record myself saying them and listen while doing chores. Breaking the script into chunks helped too. The theater community was incredibly supportive, which made everything easier.
@Free_Spirit Appreciate your enthusiasm! Actually played Anita - it was challenging but rewarding. The work took months of practice, and yes, balancing everything was tough. But it's worth it.
@Garcia Garcia omg that's so cool!! I'd love to hear more about your experience performing! What shows did you do? What roles did you play? I'm dying to get into theater but haven't had the chance yet. I'm taking acting classes next month and I'm literally counting down the days! Did you have to deal with stage fright? How did you memorize all your lines? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just so excited to talk to someone who's actually done it!
@Garcia That's incredible! I can't even imagine being in West Side Story it's literally my favorite musical ever! I watch the movie version like every week lol. Sometimes I practice the songs in my room but I'm probably terrible. The thought of actually performing terrifies me but also excites me so much! Which character did you play in West Side Story? Did you have to learn the accent? Also, was it hard balancing rehearsals with school?
Hi! These are some pretty heavy things you're dealing with. I know how it feels, when I was you age, I was going through the same thing. It went on for about 3 years for me. It was dark, but it's just a proof that everything's coming to an end, even the darkness. If you ever need to talk, just write me!
Look at all the steps you're taking - therapy, group sessions, work, theater. That's not nothing. That's everything.
Those are the building blocks. Think of it like you're planting seeds some will grow faster than others, but they all need time. You're doing exactly what you need to do right now. Which part of the theater production interests you most?
First, props on joining the running crew!
Theater people get it - we're all a little weird, and that's what makes it beautiful. Work and theater both give you legitimate reasons to interact with people regularly, which is honestly half the battle in making connections. Keep showing up, keep being present
Sometimes the best friendships start with just sharing a granola bar during break or helping someone tape down cables. Focus on those small moments of connection. They add up.
Its understandable that you are feeling lonely and want friends especially when you are having difficult time with your family. Remember loneliness is universal experience which is part of being human.
Anger and hatred towards your family could have stemmed from lack of set boundaries. It could be your family is excessively controlling you or guilt tripping you, has unreasonable demands, don't reciprocate concern or care, constant criticism. If one of these are the reasons and you feel immense anger towards your family then start establishing boundaries. It is important for your mental health and help you to define what you are comfortable with and not, which behaviour you are willing to accept and which you are not. Write down those things affecting you with your family and see how you can set a boundary for it so that it doesn't affect you.
I understand that it is challenging for you to deal with this situation when you have to live with family members who are exhausting you mentally. I want you to reflect on how things were initially with your family while growing up, is it been the same how it is now or things changed suddenly due to certain reasons.
Try understanding the reason if it is changed recently so that you can just process those reasons and see if relationship can be mended with your family.
If your family behaviour was always the same from time of growing up then suddenly why are you feelings this behaviour is damaging you? or did you not process those feelings, emotions for so long that it is just piled up and affecting you. You should start journaling to
This will help you to address those feelings, accept those emotions without trying to cover it up. This would be healthier way of coping with them which will reduce your stress, anxiety.
You need to step out to places where you can meet people or join communities or clubs where you can meet like minded people. This will help you to form friendships.
i also want to address one more aspect. i understand you need friends. But it is important you first accept and understand, process your feelings. If only you are filled with negativity and ruminating thoughts about hatred and dislike you will have difficulty. You need to address that first. Give priority to yourself first. Be compassionate towards you. Do things or activities you enjoy the most. Have you ever thought what do you like doing if you had free time and were not working. can you do that today? Take time out to just relax, calm yourself. Say watch a movie or go out in the park or just eat a ice-cream or just go for a spa. You need to prioritise your relationship with yourself. this would be the most important relationship you will have. When you feel good within, when you feel happy with yourself , when you feel strong automatically it would reflect out and help you make initial bonds with others. Things with your family has affected you so much that you are unable to see anything good or feel good about yourself and your life. So working on that first will help you to make those bonds where you reflect some sense of positivity, confidence, trust, loyalty.