It was Heaven Sent to be "Sister Mary"

This is my first blog ever so please be kind. I wanted to take this time to say a few words on what it was like to be in a leading role for the first time ever in my life. First off I can say that it was the best experience I have had in my entire life. It was full of ups and downs, laughter and sorrow, mostly laughter.

From the moment it was announced what the play was going to be for the spring I knew this would be the part for me. Call it a heavenly intuition, if you will. And I'm serious when I say that. Just to give you a little background about myself, I converted to the catholic faith in 1997. So I knew that I would be perfect for this part. And I wanted it like no other.

Last year I auditioned for Not What You Expected and I was absolutely terrified. I mean I was shaking, and thinking to myself, what am I doing? Why am I putting myself out there like this? Of course it turned out to be wonderful and I fell in love with Theater all over again, and with Theater Undreground. Then I went to audition this year for Sister Mary Ignatius. I was not nervous at all. I think its because I found the courage somewhere deep inside and knew this is what I wanted. And wouldn't you know, I got the part! Someone (Anne Dowd-Fisher, first time co-director) saw something in me that told her I would be good for this role.

Now comes first time read through. Not bad very fun. And even 2nd read through. Then was told to drop the accent. One of many "blankets (woobies) I would have to drop. Turned out to be sound advice since I eventually found my "Sister" voice. Then I got my very own script, and as I was highlighting all my lines, I said to myself, OMFG what did I get myself into? So, so, so, many lines. It was like Purgatory, it went on for a very, very, very long time! But that was just a split second thought and I said to myself, this is what you wanted. Have confindence, don't worry, you'll get it. And I did!

I know in rehearsals, there was a time when many people might have been a little worried if they made the right decision casting a first time actress in a big role like this. But I never lost confidence. With hard work and a "little help from my friends" (you know who you are) It finally clicked. And on Thursday of Tech Week, my fellow castmates finally saw what I was capable of.

Then came opening night. And it was just as I had dreamed it would be. I was a little nervous going on stage even with the curtains closed. But I got ready, and I said a little prayer and made the sign of the cross. Then the curtains opened and I went to the front of the stage and said my first opening lines. I walked out on the pier and I BECAME HER!

It was as if someone entered my body and I could hear myself speak but it wasn't my voice. Sounded like me, looked like me (in costume of course) but it wasn't me. It was Sister Mary Ignatius. And the whole thing was just surreal. And it became the best experience of my life.
The curtains closed and I was on cloud nine.

Now of course I could not have done what I did without GREAT directors and a WONDERFUL talented cast. And they made it even better than I could have dreamed.

My advice to anyone who thinks about acting or doesn't know if they are good enough. TRY IT! ITS NOT SO HARD! Take that leap. You won't know until you try.

You never know, you might even get a cookie if you do a good job!!!!