The first thought that came to mind when I heard that we were doing Annie for the fall musical was simply: oh okay. I wasn’t sad or angry about it, but I wasn’t leaping for joy either. Admittedly, I was nervous for the show because we had lost numerous seniors last year and I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to fill their very big shoes. They were all very talented and often were the life and soul of the theatre department. So, I was very conflicted. However, as I started the process of picking my audition song, I grew more and more excited, realizing along the way that I had to make this show, my senior show, the very best show that I had ever done. As summer ended, and school was about to begin, the audition process started. I was nervous as one could imagine; I greatly struggled. How could I ever measure up to those seniors or even the people still here auditioning? But still, I told myself that all I had to do was do my best and that was it. August 10th, I sang my audition song and August 11th, I completed the dance call. To my relief, for me at least, the hard part was over. What I could control was over and it was all up to the directors now. That night, I got an email congratulating me on getting a callback! I was simply bursting with joy!! The next day, I rushed into the theatre filled with bubbly anticipation and I couldn’t wait to get started. After about an hour and a half, I was dismissed and made the impossibly long drive home (well, it seemed like it at least; in reality, it’s only 9 minutes). Then came the agonizingly long time of waiting for the cast list. For a day and a half, it was all I could think about. I probably greatly annoyed my family, for all that I talked about was the cast list, when it was coming out, etc. Finally, it happened. On August 14th, as my father and I were picking up lunch for my family, I got the email. As I scrolled, looking at the black text, my name appeared on the cast list. I had gotten Grace! I was extremely excited, as I didn’t think I had a one in a million of chance of getting that part, which made starting the rehearsal process all the more gratifying. Presently, as we are over a month into the rehearsal process, I have come to greatly appreciate Annie for what it stands for, especially during a pandemic and the other issues that continue to plague the country. Optimism can cure even the darkest of days, and the sun will come out tomorrow. For me, this is what has truly resonated and will continue to even after we close.
Be sure to check out the theater page under clubs+groups on the Vivette Times to stay updated on all things Annie, see behind-the-scenes photos from rehearsal, and learn more about theater at Viz!
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