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Sanjay Sundaram

The Magic of Theaters!

My theatre journey began back in sixth grade, and it’s been an incredible ride ever since. From starting as an extra in a musical to landing unexpected lead roles, theatre has taught me so much about myself and the world around me. Here’s how it all began and the journey I’ve been on so far.


Back in sixth grade, our school announced auditions for the musical Aladdin. I had always been fascinated by theatre, but I had never mustered the courage to audition for a role before. Encouraged by my friends and family, I decided to give it a shot. The idea of performing on stage was thrilling, but also a bit intimidating. I remember walking into the audition room with my heart pounding and my hands shaking.


Despite my nerves, I gave it my all. I sang a song and read a few lines, hoping to impress the directors. When the cast list was posted, I eagerly scanned it to find my name. There it was, listed under the chorus. I had been chosen as an extra! While I wasn’t one of the leads, I was still ecstatic. Being part of the chorus meant I could be part of the show, learn the ropes, and experience the magic of theatre from the inside.


Rehearsals for Aladdin were a whirlwind of activity. I quickly realized how much work went into putting on a production. We spent hours learning songs, perfecting choreography, and practising our lines. As an extra, I had the chance to observe and learn from the more experienced actors. I watched how they brought their characters to life, how they interacted with the audience, and how they handled the pressure of performing.


Being part of the chorus was an amazing experience. I loved the camaraderie of the cast, the thrill of performing on stage, and the applause from the audience. Each rehearsal brought new challenges and new opportunities to grow. By the time the show opened, I felt like I was part of something truly special. The energy on opening night was electric, and stepping out onto the stage for the first time was an unforgettable moment.


Fast forward to seventh grade, and I was ready to take on a bigger challenge. Our school announced auditions for a new play, and this time, I set my sights on a lead role. I spent weeks preparing for the audition, practicing my monologue and working on my delivery. When the day of the audition arrived, I felt more confident and more determined than ever.


The audition process was intense, with many talented students vying for the lead roles. I gave it my best shot, and once again, I waited anxiously for the cast list to be posted. When I finally saw my name listed as one of the leads, I could hardly believe it. I had landed my first lead role! It was a huge milestone for me, and I was excited to take on this new challenge.


Rehearsals for the play were even more demanding than those for Aladdin. As a lead, I had more lines to learn, more scenes to rehearse, and more responsibility. It was both exhilarating and exhausting. I pushed myself to improve my acting skills, to connect with my character, and to bring my best performance to the stage. My fellow cast members were incredibly supportive, and we worked together to create a show we could all be proud of.





Then, in eighth grade, something incredible happened. We were set to perform Romeo and Juliet, and I got the lead role of Romeo. Here’s the funny part—I didn’t even audition for it. Our theater teacher needed someone who was trustworthy and talented for the role. She approached me, saying she believed in my abilities and thought I was the perfect fit for Romeo. It seemed like no one else had the courage to take on such a demanding role, so I stepped up to the challenge.


Taking on the role of Romeo was daunting, especially since I didn’t have extensive theater experience. But I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. I threw myself into rehearsals, studying the character and practicing my lines. I think I did pretty well, considering the circumstances. My performance was well-received, and it boosted my confidence tremendously.


Looking back on my theatre journey, I realize how much I’ve grown since that first audition for Aladdin. Theatre has taught me about teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. It’s given me the confidence to take on new challenges and the passion to pursue my dreams.


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