First Class

Friday January 9, 2009
First class for grades 6-8

It was the beginning of a long anticipated event, the first class of the NK Drama Program with me as the leader, the Queen, the Director of all. My nerves were fluttering all day between excitement and fear. Although I knew that I would know most everyone there and that I would have four amazing helpers there I was still second guessing myself. Why did I want to do this again? How in the world did I ever think that little me could lead these amazing kids through six months of rehearsals so they could put on an incredible show? What in the world did I get myself into?

As the day came to a close and it was almost time for me to surrender myself to 11-14 year olds my stomach was doing flips. But I couldn't back out now. So I took the wheel of my Jeep and drove to the Community Center to start setting up for the big night. I unlocked the door and the room brought back so many memories of the past years. In that room we had many laughs throughout the years and also a few tears, with scrapes and bruises. I turned on the familiar flourescent lights and dragged the metal chairs out. By the door stood a table where I put the extra flyers and the manila envelope to put the money in. I placed two or three pens for people to use to fill out flyers and write out their checks and waited. I was ready to start, even though I was still extremely nervous.

The first car pulled into the parking lot and my first students stumbled in, Ashley - a sixth grader who has been with us in the past along with a friend of hers, Erin - also a sixth grader. I took their money and flyers and told them to grab a chair and have a seat. Not too bad. Nerves eased only slightly. Following them another new kid. Chris Lysik. He is also a sixth grader. I had seen him in a couple of shows, he was Willy Wonka in his school's production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and also as Gavroche in Les Miserables at URI with Fantasy Works. He had also played Young Scrooge in the Trinity Reperatory company's production of A Christmas Carol. I knew from seeing him in those shows that he was excellent! So I became excited that he decided to join us. Suddenly a slew of kids hopped in, excited and screaming. One by one I took their money and flyers and they took a seat. I saw many of 'my kids' who I have become close with. Leah, Tara, Gia, Katie, Jenna, Meghan etc. Tara ran to me and almost attacked me in a hug.

Ten minutes later it was time to start. I turned around and almost had to do a triple take. There were 34 kids sitting there! I was shocked! SHOCKED! So we began and I was still nervous. Thank God for Heather, Elia, Jill and Rachel, who were an amazing help! We stood in a ginormous circle and did an introduction game and then played "What the Heck are you Doing?" After that we talked about theater a little bit and then played some improv games. Chris Lysik and Ashley did one improv game together and I have to say AGAIN that Chris was great! Ashley did awesome too. I have some great talent this year. Casting is going to be TORTURE! After a few improvs I explained the homework somewhat and handed everyone a monologue for them to learn for the next class. Then class was over.

All in all I thought it went pretty well. Although when asked by a parent afterwards I answered with a "I don't know. I think it went okay." I think I have a fear of failure. So I set myself up so if it happens I won't be disappointed. I really need to get over this irrational stupid fear!