I first fell in love with acting in CCA’s 7th grade drama class. I was so excited to perform in the play. I was even more excited to have found my passion. I continued to do several plays, summer shows, and drama classes. I soon began anticipating my freshman year of high school because I would finally get a chance to perform in the spring musical.

9th grade finally rolled around, and I was more ecstatic than ever. The show that year was The Sound of Music. I thought my audition went really well. I even made it to the very end of the callbacks, but when the cast list came out, my name wasn’t on it. I didn’t get in. I was broken-hearted and furious.

Although I was disappointed at the time, I look back and realize God was telling me “not yet.” He wanted to do a work in my heart before I hit the stage. With some help from family, I was learning to humble myself.

A trial in life doesn’t shape you as a person. Your response to it does. The verse I leaned on was Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory because of your love and faithfulness.” Even though I wasn’t in the show, I could still glorify the Lord. I was determined to be a part of the show, so I joined the backstage crew. Through that experience, I learned how to serve others. It truly was a blessing.

Next came sophomore year, another show and another chance. I wanted to be in the show now more than ever, and God answered my prayers. I was cast in the ensemble of Crazy for You, and it was a dream come true. It was an honor worshiping, working, and performing with that cast.

Skipping ahead to senior year, I worked on my skills even more. I practiced choreography in my garage, took voice lessons, and took advantage of every opportunity offered in preparation for my final CCA audition for The Little Mermaid. I knew if I wanted a lead role, I would have to work hard and earn the part. I could not control anything about my audition except for one thing- my preparedness. I prepared for not just the role I wanted, but for all the roles so I could do my best in every aspect of my audition. My hard work paid off, and I got the part of Ariel. It was a dream come true! If I had been cast in The Sound of Music four years ago, I wouldn’t have been as grateful for the amazing opportunity. Now I cherish those memories even more.

The most important thing I learned through my experience is when you walk into an audition, you must remember your identity is in Christ.

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made and seen other talented, gifted actors make is walking into an audition believing their identity is in the part they get. Your value is not determined by whether you’re playing the lead, an ensemble member, or helping backstage. Your value is in Christ. An audition is not a place where directors compare everyone's talents with one another. It is a place where directors place people in God’s show.

For all the students heading out to audition- work hard and prepare, but remember your worth is in Jesus Christ.

Click here to read about the benefits of students participating in theater.