Random Theatre

I step forth upon a darkened stage. Slowly, the curtain opens, and I walk past the proscenium. There is a silence in the air. All I can hear is the sound of my own breath. In a flash, a hot spot alights, revealing my face to the audience. The sudden shift has left me temporarily blinded, but I quickly compose myself. My mouth opens to speak, and my heart sinks. I've forgotten what to say. Feverishly my mind races. Searching for the words, I had until this moment known as true as my own name. By this time, my sight has returned and all I see is a vast ocean of annoyed faces. Each motionless, quiet, yet speaking...to me.
"Get on with it."
"What a jerk."
"Doesn't he know anything?"
"Por que, ajar? No se."
The voices grow ever louder. I know they are all looking to me to start the show. I still cannot find the words. Nervously struggling, I begin to speak again.
"Welcome..."
Strangely, more words follow. Whether they were the correct ones, I shall never know. It felt strangely hot. As I spoke, I could feel my temperature rising. Was I sweating? I continued to speak the introduction to the captivated faces I saw before me. Before I knew it I had come to the end of my speech.
"Thank you, and enjoy the show."
I gave a slight bow and retreated to the safety behind the curtain as it closed around me. All I could hear was applause. I had done it. I said my piece. I could breath again. I felt the fever rushing away. I was sweating. Backstage I was met with smiles and back slaps. Calmly I marched through the back hallway to the green room. I met no ones' gaze as I entered and hurriedly, deliberately moved into the men's dressing room. I exhaled and released my tense shoulders. Across the room I could see myself in an upright mirror. My fly was down.
This blog is to share some of my many experiences in the world of community theatre. I will discuss shows long past, shows to come, and my thoughts on what is theatre. Please join me as I explore the inner reaches of my psyche, and find the funny in the morbidly embarrassing.