Last spring, I learned an important lesson about being prepared. I was about to start rehearsals for Crazy for You, my ninth musical at HITS Theatre. I had never gotten the lead before and wanted to be Polly Baker. On the first day, we all learned a song and dance. I noticed a very talented girl and assumed she would be Polly. When my mom picked me up, I was bummed. She said, “Chance favors the prepared.”
Over the weekend, I read the script, watched some YouTube videos of other Crazy for You productions and thought about Polly Baker. She was a lot like me: confident, outspoken and funny. After memorizing the song, I added some Polly Baker attitude. When I danced, I tried to move like her. I probably practiced 50 times.
Before the audition, I told myself: I am Polly Baker and just need to show the director. And I prayed, asking Jesus to be with me and give me courage.
When it was my turn, I did the song and dance exactly as I had practiced it. I was confident, smiling and having fun. When it was the talented girl’s turn, I realized she hadn’t practiced. Her voice was pretty, but she was off key. And, she didn’t know the dance steps. I thought I might have a chance.
The next day, my mom picked me up from school and said, “I have bad news and good news. The bad news is that you are going to have to work really hard for the next four months. And the good news is that you are Polly Baker!” I screamed!
Because I was the lead, I felt I should set an example for the younger, less experienced cast members. I came to rehearsals prepared and worked hard. When the show opened, we received a standing ovation.
Recently, a friend of mine was running for student council and thought a more popular boy would win. I gave him my new motto: “Chance favors the prepared.” Yeah, he won.
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