Transformation

"Theatre, it's not what you do, it's who you are."

That was the theme of this year's State Thespian Competition.

It's also very true.

Theatre has taken me, who was once so quiet, and helped me to speak my mind. It has given me an amazing and loyal group of friends. There's something about that one moment when you're up onstage and you forget your lines, or there's that one missing prop, and you and your scene partner are gripped by a surge of terrified adrenaline to keep the show moving and pray no one noticed your blunder...that moment makes you friends. Lets you know you can count on each other.

There wasn't a miraculous one day change from quiet Hillary to loud, but when I started theatre this year I was still a little afraid of G. I treated him with the respect I would give a teacher, and I did everything he said to do exactly when he told us to do it.

Now, I joke with him as I would with my friends. He is as easy to deal with as they are. I'm no longer silent and obedient. I have a voice and I use it.

I love theatre. I love who it has made me, and the friends it has earned me.