The Day Before I, Sweeney Todd, Take the Stage

"It's time. It's time." A comment spoken by Sweeney Todd after he gets his new barber chair and is invigorated to get back on his goal of revenge. Those two words are spoken by me as an actor, but as a human I currently feel a similar way about this comment. It has been four months of intense practicing to get to this point; the day before my performance. Four months of pushing my voice to the limit and beyond because I knew that I could do it. Four months of memorization alongside school work because I accepted the challenge and I knew that in the end I would succeed at both.

Though I've come so far, it's still frightening when I think about messing up. for the past two weeks the only thing on my mind has been the fear of forgetting a line or falling flat on a note. It's like a pin is being pressed through my belly-button through to my spine and my throat throbs as though I have an air bubble stuck that I can't quit burp up. Even with this fear I still know, I know that when I take to that stage my nerves will calm and the routine of going over lines and repeatedly singing the songs will carry me through the show. With the pin finally removed I know I'll feel steady, instead of feeling as though my legs decided to fall asleep.

I know everyone has worked very hard on this, and I have too. This is one of the few things that I can feel completely proud of myself for carrying through to the end and trying every step of the way. I'm amazed when I think back and realize that I have never gone to rehearsals bummed out or tired of doing what I do; entertaining.

With my throat cleared and my diaphragm clenched I will sing out to the world my achievement: "I have done it! I have conquered a goal, no, a DREAM of mine! I have risen above my fears!" I have risen above my own walls to take destiny by her soft, forgiving hands and look into her eyes to thank her for all the help and chances she has given.

I will remember this for the rest of my life, it will motivate me to do better as well as remind me that I do have the ability. I CAN DO IT!!!