This past summer (while working at one of the happiest places on Earth) I was lucky enough to be visited by two of my incredible professors who also happen two of the best mentors. I mean how many professors drive all the way up from VA to NY to see a show you were an intern on?
Anyways, we went to eat after the show and we talked about everything. But the one thing that stuck out to me was when they said, "You have all these big dreams-which is awesome- but know that it is okay if you don't achieve them. It doesn't mean you failed -it means your dreams just might have changed."
WOOF. Deep right?
And that statement scared the crap out of me. Not achieving my dreams (or "failure") had honestly never really crossed my mind. They would happen -it just might take some time. Hearing this had me thinking (like I'm sure many of you may be right now):
What else is there besides theatre?
So I called my mom (as I always do) freaking out. And as moms do, she fixed everything. She proceeded to point out that theatre was not all I am.
I am....
A daughter
A sister
A Bookworm
Someone who loves to eat
A Quote Enthusiast
A Blogger
A Yoga trier
A coffee mug collector
A traveler
A Wine Lover
And (as always) she was right. While it may not seem like it, theatre is not all we are. Even me, the most theatre kid of theatre kids, cannot be defined solely by theatre. I think there is this stigma in theatre sometimes that if we aren't always "on" we don't care enough and won't succeed. But that is simply not true. We all have other passions and while it may be terrifying, it is okay if we someday realize we want to stop following this passion to go and follow another. It does not mean we have failed, it only means we were lucky enough to realize we want something else before it was to late.
So I want everyone reading this to take out a piece of paper and a pen ( I really like the sharpie pens but that's just me) and make a list. Do it. Right now. Start making a list. Of every thing you love and everything that make you who you are. It can be anything from "Bird watcher" to "I hate when people take forever to respond on snapchat".
The one rule?
Theatre can't be on the list.
So to all my friends who may be having that moment of, "Oh S*** maybe this isn't what I want to spend the rest of my life doing"- breathe. It's okay. Look at that list and see all the incredible parts of you that aren't theatre related. Will they be future careers? Who knows. But at least it's a start.
And to everyone who hasn't had that freak out yet?
You are prepared for when that moment comes.
Much love always,
Chelsea