Giving it 100%

As stated in the previous blog, I was raised in a house that was filled with music and theatre. During my years at home, my parents were often away in the evenings at some community theatre or other, devoting their nights and weekends to a musical. They never once thought to themselves, “Maybe I just won’t go to rehearsal tonight.” My parents taught me that when you make a commitment like that, you don’t just back out because you don’t feel like going.

This principle has become part of who I am, and not just in theatrical aspects of my life. When I have made a commitment of any kind, my determination to complete the task goes far beyond feelings of obligation. There is no question in my mind… it has to be done. For example, when I decided to work toward a Bachelor of Arts I knew that I wouldn’t quit until it was done. Yes, there were plenty of mornings that I wanted more than anything to sleep instead of going to my 8 am ballet class; but I went. I finished. I graduated. Never once did I entertain the idea of dropping out of college and leaving my goal unattained. This is just one example of many… and I want to thank my wonderful parents for instilling such an invaluable principle in me. As much as this has helped me in the past, my determination to finish what I start will assist me in all of my future endeavors, such as marriage, motherhood, and community involvement.

The reason that I’m bringing this up is to help others understand why theatre seems to take precedence over other aspects of my life. This is, of course, not an accurate statement. There are many other things that are higher on my priorities list than being in a show… I don’t have to be involved in a production to survive (it certainly helps maintain my sanity, but isn’t essential). Once I have agreed to participate in a theatrical production (through acting, directing, costuming, or any other way) I am extremely determined to see it through to the end. Dropping out, not showing up, or doing the task at anything less than 100% is out of the question. My principles won’t allow me to even consider it.

Others have said that they don’t really understand how I feel, but I can honestly say that have a difficult time understanding how people can be so lukewarm about a commitment that was made. I don’t connect with someone that is involved in a show and decides to drop out halfway through the rehearsal process, or choses to go to some other event on a night that we have a show scheduled to perform. When I question such a person about their decision they usually say something like, “I didn’t think I was that important to the cast,” “someone can cover for me,” “I’m not missing anything,” or “I’d rather be at (fill in the blank) than here.” This makes no sense to my brain. Even the smallest cast member is essential to the performance running smoothly! People often don’t see their role as important, but I can say from experience that when a person isn’t there that you’re used to acting with… it really throws you for a loop, and it’s sometimes difficult to recover.

I guess what I’m saying it, if you commit to something in life (ANYTHING at all) give it everything that you’ve got. If it’s something that you’re not willing to put 100% into, then don’t agree to it. Others will be relying on your to do your part. Don’t let them down.