It's the right time to TRY

How would you like to be the guy almost everyone runs away from? How would you feel if someone for whom you are trying to do a favor, hides in the next shopping aisle when he sees you? How scarred would you be if often you heard "Oh not you again!", as a response to your presence? Well I can tell you that it can get you down; that it can lead to a persecution complex; that it can turn a sunny day, misty in a hurry. And I've done nothing. I merely tried to recruit some people (okay, a lot of people) to act on stage. That's all! I tried to bring people together with their inner selves and unleash the actor in all of us. I am a director for Flagler Playhouse (formerly Little Theater of Palm Coast) and I'm trying to unite people with their alter egos, to give them something to do in the evenings besides watching T.V. I am offering an outlet for their creative impulse, a chance to socialize with other vibrant souls, an opportunity to get way from their routines.

I asked a friend of mine who had spent a good deal of his career successfully giving presentations to large groups of people and who had given some indication he would be interested in acting, why he hadn't come to any auditions. Without hesitation Paul said, "I'd be scared". Now Paul is a big, handsome, Italian guy who looks like he could take on a couple of thugs in a fight, and he says he's "scared."

Why? What is it that brings fear into the hearts of men? Aristotle that wise old Greek guy said that acting is natural to humans. He called it "mimesis", that innate ability we have to imitate. We see it in kids all the time. My eight and five year old daughters live constantly in a make believe world thats filled with complex role playing and exciting action. We all remember playing these exacting fantasies that filled hundreds of hours of fun while growing up. And, of course, the role playing continued into our lives. We play mothers and fathers and sons and daughters and lovers and friends and on and on. T.S. Elliot said "we prepare a face to meet the faces that we meet". So what is it that keeps so many of use from enjoying our innate ability to imitate? Why don't more of us get up, get out, and get on the stage. Certainly the phenomenon of Karaoke is a vivid indication that many are seeking an outlet for their talents (real or perceived).

Perhaps our trepidation at the thought of acting might be lessened by the enormous benefits of trying it. One sure benefit is friendship. In my time in Flagler County I have met many marvelous people through the theater and I am happy to count a number of them, good friends. Case in point. Kathryn walked into an audition a complete novice. She had thought about acting for some time but "things" always seemed to "get in the way". Finally she decided to try it. Through a rehearsal period that allowed her to explore many facets and approaches to creating character she found her natural abilities and performed wonderfully before hundreds of people. When the show was over she said, "I don't know why I waited so long. When can we do this again?" Not only had Kathryn had an exciting experience, she met a life-long friend, another novice actress, who shared the intense, rewarding experience with her. The two are inseparable and important contributing members of Flagler Playhouse.

I can't tell you how many times I have heard similar stories: people trying the theater and relishing the experience, eager to do it again. And then there are those who try acting and discover their interests lie elsewhere in bringing the production to completion. Bill, a businessman by profession, did a wonderful job creating an offbeat character for a breezy comedy. It was his first effort, a really fun-filled creation that brought much praise. But Bill came to me after we closed and said, "I had a marvelous time, meeting so many sweet and kind people, but I'd much rater work backstage next time. I'm glad I did this, and I want to continue with theater, but I'll be even happier off stage". And Bill has maintained a productive, rewarding association with the stage ever since. So acting is not the only way to flex our creative muscles, but it is such a vital way. Acting allows us such an opportune way to get out of ourselves, at the same time using ourselves to discover character. Many times the initial fear of performing transforms into an energy that invigorates both body and soul.

I would love to share more stories of intrepid souls who venture into the wonderland of theater and "lived to tell about it," but I must save those tales for future columns. For now, please don't run away when you see me coming. Certainly, I will ask if you'd like to audition, but after that initial shock we might have a great conversation. I'll see you in the theater.

John Sbordone