Arrow does NOT like being on stage. She loves attention and being the in the spotlight for sure. Just not in large groups staring at her and judging her every move. 😉
Last year, the elementary school put on a musical. We asked Arrow if she wanted to try out. Predictably, she gave a big fat NOPE.
Then again this year, as the musical season came around again, we asked Arrow if she wanted to try out. Initially she said no and that was that. But she noticed the majority of her best friends were trying out and really excited about it. As she watched them practice their lines and the dance prompts, she wondered if she was missing out by refusing to step out of her comfort zone.
To our surprise, she changed her mind and brought home the paperwork. She would join the cast but ONLY if exact certain conditions were met.
- No romantic roles
- No solo singing roles
- No talking roles
- In fact: any role at all that made her stand out from the crowd was unacceptable.
I truly know nothing about theatre, so I don’t know if those were realistic expectations. But the director here is amazing and had JUST the place for Arrow and other kids like her in the support roles.
To her utter delight, she was cast as a dancing glow-in-the-dark skeleton and an owl.
She was committed! Lots of early morning practices before school several times a week.
This experience reminded me of when she did the spelling bee. There were the same fears back then: on stage with judges quizzing her knowledge in front of loved ones. Arrow initially noped away from that experience, but then got thinking what she might be missing out on. She last minute changed her mind.
Turns out, she really liked the spelling bee. And she loved being in the musical!
Amazing what a little positive peer pressure can do 😉
Closing night with everyone here to celebrate Arrow’s performance. Somehow the event coordinated with Oma & Opa’s Utah visit AND my parents and grandma in town for a funeral. (Not a great reason to be here but glad we made the most of it.) Maren and Nate also had their niece over for the weekend so we got to enjoy her company too. Randy and Celesr were hopping on a plane soon but made the time to come up. Really random how that all came together!
Really so grateful and amazed how many people were able to come support Arrow that night. Love each and every one of you!
I also have to shout out our amazing PTA. All these parent volunteers came to make the musical a special experience. I mean look at this concession stand!
SO fun.
A little pivot here: Archer had a lot of fun practicing the songs & dances with Arrow. (We’ve heard All Stars on repeat for the past few months lol.) While he wasn’t interested at first, the choreography seemed to change his mind. He’s planning to try out for the next musical!
Great job all around, Arrow ❤️ Looking forward to next year’s show!
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