I realize I haven't posted in a couple of weeks. My life has been so busy since I've joined this social club, and it's been a blast! Two weeks ago, I was involved in Master Follies. We had shows to do that whole week, but the biggest ones were that weekend. We had been practicing for weeks, getting ready for these shows. Sometimes it felt longer than it actually was. We were usually running on little sleep, and we were around each other for hours at a time every day. It was great, and it was tiring at the same time lol.
The shows were amazing! I admit I would get a little nervous, but it was always more of an excited nervous. I love being onstage and performing for people. I like working hard for something, practicing it, and getting to show it off. I love the applause and praises people give you when they love what they've seen. I love being able to dress up in costumes and step into a different role, to be someone else for a time. It's fun and and entertaining. I also did One Act in high school and junior high. I loved it. I'm pretty competitive, which made One Act and follies extra fun for me lol. I may not be the best one up there on the stage, but I love doing it.
You might be thinking, "Performing? Aren't people with autism introverted and shy?" Sometimes and in some situation, yes we are. However, like I said, something happens when I get up on that stage. I'm not me. I get to be someone else. Interactions on stage are scripted, and I've been working with the cast for weeks or months before performances. I know them, and they are likely my friends. I don't know everyone in the audience, but that's ok. They only watch me, and I don't have to interact with them directly while I'm onstage. Also, on a side note, I'm horrible at improv. If I'm going to be onstage, it's going to be in a scripted performance where I know what I'm supposed to do next. If everyone on stage is supposed to improv, I'm screwed. I stink at coming up with things on the spot because I can't process things that fast.
Through it all, follies was an amazing experience. Seeing as how this is the only follies show I will ever do, I'm so thankful to have been a part of it. It helped me grow closer to my LOA sisters and Kyodai brothers, meet some of our alumni, and experience some really great traditions. I only wish I could be around longer!
"I live in the same world you do; I just experience it differently. I am a human being with feelings, just like you; I just express them in my own way." ~Me~
