Being a Part of Something Bigger

I just got back from BlogHer15, more to come on that later, but as I get ready to head back into the office and things start to calm back to the everyday pace of life, I wanted to share the video I captured of Darren Criss addressing the crowd after his final performance of Hedwig and the Angry Itch.

I grew up in a very theatrical household, learning the lyrics to Annie and Oklahoma as early as I could talk and walk. As I entered middle and high school I started getting involved in theatre, performing on stage and eventually spending some time as a voice major at the Denver School of Arts. Theatre helped me become the person I am today, teaching me how to think quickly on my feet, project to the back of the room and change clothing faster than a 3 minute dance break. 

As I’ve gotten further away from the days when I could commit several hours a day rehearsals and line memorization, I sometimes miss the excitement, the community and the energy to you feel from the crowd, but I’m happy with the choices I’ve made and love that I can still participate in a community theatre production on occasion, and watch live theatre as often as possible.

After spending the last few days in New York, learning from a group of women who motivate me to challenge myself and work harder at my goals it was really inspiring to hear the same message reflected from one of my favorite actors. Waiting at the stage door to greet the cast after a show is a really incredible experience and having the opportunity to not just see the cast, but hear from one of the performers was even more amazing and the message really hit home with all the other insights I’ve picked up over the last several days.

Theatre, writing, volunteering, whatever it may be, the reason I do those things are because it is an opportunity to be a park of something bigger than myself. Doing so online is just another way to take on new challenges and I’m excited that we have so many mediums accessible to do so.

How do you challenge yourself and contribute to a larger community than yourself?