Middle School Drama

Hailey loves to sing and dance.  

She prefers to do it in the privacy of our home, but with a bit (or maybe more than a bit) of encouragement from me, her dad and even her brothers, she got up the courage to audition for her middle school musical.  She wanted to be in the chorus - the thought of a leading role for this girl was terrifying.  Even to be in the chorus you have to audition and that means you have to sing BY YOURSELF in front of the directing team.   She was not excited about that at all.  

She practiced a lot with her dad at the piano and he found out for himself as I told him many times in the past (which of course he didn't believe or maybe didn't listen) that our girl can sing.  I mean really sing.  She doesn't sing loud but she hits all the notes and is very pleasing to listen to.  He was impressed.  He has seen many kids in his theater days that can sing or not sing.  He knows a singer when he sees one. 

On the day the cast list was posted Hailey, Daddy and I went to the good luck log overlooking Lake Michigan and found out that she had made it in the show.   Then she admitted to us that she already knew because she found out on the bus.  Dang middle school kids.  We were so proud of her!

As is the case with most things, during the months of rehearsal it tended to get tedious at times but as the show got closer it became much more fun for her.

The bouquet and gift we brought to her on opening night.  She was cast as a jock so the tiny basketball was perfection. 

I worked in the girls dressing room one night during the show.  It was a new experience for me because I obviously was never able to hang out in the boys dressing rooms.  It was fun to see the excitement from the backstage perspective.  I got to meet all the new friends Hailey made and watch her interact with them. 

She was excited to perform this song and dance with the basketball choreography.  She was also terrified that she would drop her basketball.  She never did.

Stick to the Status Quo was another one of her favorite songs.

She was thrilled that she got to change costumes and be part of the opposing team during this scene. 

She had lots of fans come and watch her perform. 

My baby girl looks so old in her stage makeup.  Also these pictures scream to me that mama might need some lip fillers.  Where do my lips go when I smile?

The whole show ended up being a positive experience for her.  She got support from old friends and  made many new friends.  I think it helped her a bit with some of her shyness.  She was sad to see it end.  When I mentioned she could do it again next year she was all for it.  Maybe we have another theatre kid in our house after all.