More than a Stage

Some people look at a stage and see the curtains and the stage itself.
Others look at a stage and see the technicians dressed in black taking
care of the actors scrambling around checking their props and getting
into character. When I look at a stage I see something different.
Something more.
When I look at the MHS stage I see a brother and sister who hate each
other compromising and making a deal to get out of a punishment. I see
a woman finding joy after a journey through self-discovery. I see a
mother's battle to care for a son who is annoyed by her affection. I
see a family help change a rude houseguest into a kind and caring man
just by showing him the love of a real family. I see a man conflicted
with the inner-struggle of conformity and individuality. I see a girl
searching for the meaning of life, only to learn that what creates our
purpose are the choices we make when we decide what's important to us.
I see a woman learning that the only way to deal with feelings is to
let them out. I see a young monkey boy's transformation from a selfish
child into a noble king.
But most memorable of the many things I see when I take a moment to
really look at the stage that has been a home to me for the past four
years, is the last scene of the show. I see high school students
learning from and growing with the characters they portray on stage.
I see the true effect of theatre.
Not the acting experience. Not the tech experience. Not even the
smiles on the faces of cast, crew, and audience.
It is the part of the experience that is embedded within from the
moment you begin to hear, read, and learn the lines until the moment
your soul leaves your body.
It is the comfortablity with yourself and others that allows you to
change in front of members of both sexes and all sexual preferences
without care or concern.
It is the freedom of mind to take chances that lets you go onstage
without inhibitions and try something new.
It is the discovery of who you are found by pretending to be someone
you are not.
I see the true effect of theatre.
I see growth.
Growth of love, care, thought, expression, acceptance, individuality,
tolerance, patience, mind, body, spirit and soul.
When I look upon a stage I see development of character, but most
importantly, development of a generation of people all of the same
species---I see evolution.