#5 The Why.

I am not getting paid to play Blanche. 

I am volunteering a ton of time to do a part in a play which will actually only be presented to audiences a total of nine times.  I may even go so far as to have my dark brown hair colored blonde because I don't think I could play this particular character in a wig.  Most actors would probably not fork out cash they don't have to color their hair; but they absolutely and happily will spend their evenings, week after week, at the theatre.

Theatres generally don't have windows.  It's dark inside.  Regardless of where you are on the planet, it is usually cold when you walk in to rehearsal; and it will become nice and toasty just in time for you to leave.  Sometimes there is coffee already made and we start with a fresh cup to sip our way through our three hour rehearsal (when you are volunteering and not in a professional production).  This goes on generally for a month and a half prior to opening night.  We miss the TV shows, sporting events, etc. that are the topic at the office the following mornings at what we call our "day jobs."

Some actors do this for fun, some because they are lonely and want to be around like-minded individuals.  Some just want to get on a stage so the world can see how attractive they think they are, and some just want to try something new.  Some believe in their hearts that a famous producer will come see their show and they will soon be swept away to fame and fortune.  Some do it because they understand that this is a craft and an entire lifetime is not long enough to become absolutely perfect at it.

These are only a handful of reasons why actors take the leap of faith.

I, at different points in my life, have probably been guilty of any or all of these.  It didn't take me long, however, to realize that there is a lot more to acting.  A whole lot.  There is no way a person can not learn something or grow as a person with every new production. 

It has occurred to me that I may be taking this role way to seriously.  But, then I tell myself these things:

I do not appear, physically, as this character.  I can really dive in and see if I have it in myself to transform my image to play it. 

I have always, always loved the poetry of Tennessee Williams.  I am so excited to have time in my life to be able to speak this poetry day in and out...if for only a few short weeks.  The language itself, to perform as it is written, is a very important element to consider.  Other playwrights don't 'demand' their words to be spoken rhythmically.  One absolutely has to heed every dash, every comma, when reading this aloud.  He makes it easy for us...if we take the time to memorize this punctuation along with the words.  This interests me.

Now, believe me, I could become  laughing stock.  I really could.  Like I said, I am a short brunette who is a little thick around the middle.  What if I can't get there emotionally?  What if I look like a phony?  What if I forget a line of dialogue?  I don't have the proper training to do this well!  What if the actors have no chemistry?  What if...What if...

BUT, when it comes down to it, I love a challenge.  This part truly fell out of the sky.  When offered it, I thought is was the craziest thing I had ever heard.  Sometimes the universe sends things that we cannot question.  So, I have no choice but to just trust it.  This is why I am doing it.