Overcoming Stage Fright: My First Theatre Role

I auditioned for a role in theatre for the first time! It was a sudden opportunity that I had the privilege to try! Don't get me wrong, it was a challenge for me since it was entirely new to me. Thanks to my friend Clara, who told me about this bilingual opportunity with Teatro Tercera Llamada directed by Jaycee Padilla-Hayter in partnership with The Chamber Theater.

On the first day of the audition, I was so nervous that I couldn't stop shaking. I honestly didn't think I would get the role, but I was content just to have the experience of auditioning. I wanted to make a good impression by being true to myself and proving that I was capable of much more. During the audition, I realized that when someone is doing something with you, it's not out of embarrassment but rather to have fun.

I got the privilege to have the role of Amelia in The House of Bernarda Alba (La Casa De Bernarda Alba.) As I get to know Amelia, I have learned to understand Amelia in certain scenes and what my relationship is really like with others. I think the most challenging part for me was how to interact with a different person other than yourself. How do certain things make Amelia feel or react if x, y, or z were to happen? Other than it being somewhat difficult, I found it rewarding when it all came together and seeing the emotions run as time went by.

On the first night of the performance, you could imagine the nerves. It was my first time acting, in front of 20-30 people, and in full uniform. Once I got to see my crew acting and being in their characters, it helped me tremendously to let myself know that "this is normal, you are acting." After that, I was able to execute the role of Amelia. I was impressed by how many of them messed up and kept going. Even those who have been doing it for years also messed up. It taught me that no one is perfect and that it's okay to mess up, but it is not okay to give up. Keep the show going and it will be alright. At the end of the day, no one is reading down your script.

Having been exposed to all of these new things in acting, I've learned that embarrassment is just a feeling. It is up to you how you view it. I realized that acting is a great way to escape your reality for just a bit. Although being Amelia and understanding her life story, isn't the story you would want to escape to from your reality, however, it is amazing how I overcame the fear of stage fright taking over me. I learned to manage my nerves, my fear, and my stage fright and how your mind is truly a powerful tool.

In conclusion, would I do it again? 100%. I'm incredibly proud of the work my crew and I put into every rehearsal. Bringing each role and storyline together in a bilingual format was a project I'll always be grateful for. I met many wonderful people and was inspired by their stories of how they got into theatre for the first time.

If you're considering acting as a career or a hobby, networking is key. I know networking is often associated with finding opportunities, but if I hadn't met my friend Clara and learned about her work, I might never have had the chance to collaborate with such amazing crews.

If you are based in Louisville, reach out to Teatro Tercera Llamada and The Chamber Theater for possible opportunities!

Or e-mail me for more information.