Brain Candy

Death and Things That are Important


Have you done anything recently? And I mean really done something. Not just go to school for a week straight, or finish all of your homework, because that's stuff you have to do. What about stuff you don't need to do? Anything like volunteering, extra-cirricular activities, spending time with your parents or friends. Something more than what you are required to do.

For the past few months, I've been all wrapped up in a play called 'Death', by Woody Allen. Drama has always been something I've enjoyed taking part in, so it seemed like an easy decision to sign up. Everything started out well. We did a read-through, everyone had their parts and we were working on memorizing our lines. Due to complications, one of our cast members had to leave and parts (including mine) were shuffled around. A bunch of the male talent started out from nothing. And then people stopped showing up, only coming once every few weeks. We had five snow days, then, and missed out on a bunch of practices. We didn't have our set. Costumes weren't done. We were weeks and weeks behind.

While trying my hardest to keep positive and keep attending the rehearsals, my friends and I couldn't help but feel that we were doomed. This was to be performed in a month, and we had nothing done, and then performed again for the Sears Drama Festival, where we'd be judged and rated. How embarrassing would it be to be the worst of three or four participating schools? Joining this play was something I was beginning to regret. Come the night of the first performance for parents and loved ones, we hadn't had a single perfect rehearsal of the play.

And we nailed it.

I've done two performances of the play since then, and each time it gets better than the last. Through all of the stress, bad rehearsals, missing cast and re-purposed props, the spirit of our crew and team shine through and we get better. Joining this play is one of the best things I've done in my high school career, even if it is an extra workload. At the end of each performance, when I look at my team, all of their faces are lit up with a smile. We can't help it.

So, what are you waiting for? Get into something. As cliche as it sounds, you'll have the time of your life.