Tall Girl Adventures; Take The Stage!
Hey Tall Girl!
When I’m not outside walking, hiking, or hanging with my pups during the fall season, you can find me inside under bright stage lights. Community theatre has become one of my favorite ways to connect with people and challenge myself in new ways.
Rehearsals are equal parts fun and chaos. You meet a whole new group of folks, teachers, baristas, retirees, students, parents, who all show up with the same love of music and desire to try something new. There’s something really special about learning harmonies with strangers and slowly watching the pieces of a production come together. Every show I do, I grow, whether it’s mastering a tricky song, remembering blocking, or just learning how to project even when you think you’re loud enough!
I’m not a “perfect” performer, but that’s the point, I get to keep learning. Each production stretches me in new directions. Sometimes I nail a solo, sometimes I flub a line (one time I started a costume change too early and was naked backstage during one of my lines) Last night was opening night, and I forgot to go move scenery. Live theater is always an adventure, and you never know what will happen, but I always walk away stronger. With my heart full. It’s like the outdoors: you can’t hike the same trail twice and expect to grow in the same way.
Of course, being tall in community theatre comes with its quirks. I’m grateful for my 6’1” ensemble friend, we get to hang together a lot! Costumes aren’t often the cute or colorful ones, so fittings can feel a little disappointing. Hemlines are short, empire waist is mid-nip, or shoulders don’t fit through the armholes... And I’ve learned to buy my own because the costume closet rarely stocks my size. All in all, none of these things is a big deal, plus I see, so I’m often helping myself or others to better fitting/functioning costumes!
Even with the wardrobe headaches, I keep saying yes to the stage. The joy of performing, the friendships formed in late-night rehearsals, and the thrill of opening night make it all worth it. Theatre is a different kind of adventure, one where you don’t need hiking boots, just a willingness to step into the spotlight, have faith in your cast-mates and build folks up like they are building you (and maybe invest in your own costume stash).
What activities do you do outside of getting into nature?
Cheerfully,
Suzi
