Another day, another monologue. Thats not a quote from this year, thats what i would say almost every single day throughout senior year. Monologues arent too new to me. I have probably written about 50-100. All of different shapes and sizes. Different tasks. Different tones. Even as a different person. Why did i do this you may ask? Well, what i am about to tell you is one of the greatest experiences i have ever had a pleasure and opportunity to take. Its called, STAGES.
Senior year i decided to take a class called STAGES. STAGES is a class that only the “nerdier” or “artsy” people would take in my high school. It was known throughout the school as the unnecessary hard class that was offered senior year. Nobody would really want to take it because people would want to slouch and do nothing senior year, but everyone new that STAGES was alot of work. Personally, i love a challenge. I love to experience new things and have fun with life. I hate being boring and doing the same stuff every day. I like adventure. So i decided to take a chance and take STAGES. Once i signed up, everyone questioned me saying “WHAT THE HELL LANCE WHY WOULD YOU TAKE THAT! THATS NOT FOR YOU ITS FOR THE ARTSY PLAY PEOPLE!!”. I answered, “Hey, why not”. Il be honest, at first i was very worried, i would always ask myself what the hell i just got myself into. I even contemplated dropping out last second because of fear. But me being Lance, i toughed it out and i took the class.
Now lets talk about what STAGES actually is. Throughout the year you learn about theatre, plays, and things like aristotle. The teachers would like to challenge your mind to the fullest. We once had to write a full essay about what a “chair” is. It sounds so simple, but trust me, its not. We would always write monologues in all different types of ways to express ourselves, be comfortable, and enhance our speaking skills. I found myself at one with the class. I was kind of an outcast because these werent my people throughout highschool. But as the days went by people grew on me and i grew on people, and i made alot of amazing friends that i i unfortunately never knew before.
Starting second semester, the class shifts to a new direction(not the band). We stop all work and we as a class write a original musical to perform in front of the whole school at the end of the year. We do this all by ourselves. We write a 2 hour script, music, choreography, everything. It was AMAZING! The best part is that when casting came around, I GOT THE LEAD!! I was never in a play in my life! I got the lead over all these people who have been in plays for years. It meant so much for me and thankfully i killed it up there and had a blast. After the play everyone was jealous because they saw i got to experience something that they will never. STAGES was an amazing experience….if only i can go back, but i cant. Its just time to look into the future and see what adventure is next.
Hey, I thinks it cool you were able to try out something new even though you were nervous at first. I think that’s something everyone should try to do. Its good that you enjoyed it and got to meet new people. It seems like something you really enjoy so hopefully you keep at it.-Michael Sheridan