The first Journey show I ever watched was Descendants back in 2022…and we didn’t hit it off like you might’ve expected. The show was amazing and I was absolutely blown away by everyone in it, but I found myself jealous that all of those people had the confidence to pursue theater and I was still at home watching YouTube most of the time. I’d always had a love for live theater (In first grade I performed a handwritten play in my garage) but was ridden with anxiety from the aftermath of the Covid lockdown. I was too shy to make new friends, let alone get onstage to perform for hundreds of people! So, I went another few years without any true purpose.
Then, in early 2024, I had a resurgence in my interest towards theater. My parents, recognizing this, looked back into Journey Theater. When they told me that Journey was doing The SpongeBob Musical, I couldn’t resist. I had to be in that show! (My brother tagged along as well) The problem was, I had no idea what I was doing! For my audition, I was extremely nervous and picked a song that was way below my range. Luckily, I got into the show, but the theater experience was still new to me. I was so anxious during the first rehearsal, I almost cried multiple times. I was 14 hiding behind my 10 year old brother. But, as we got further into the rehearsal process, I started to get the hang of it, and my ensemble started to feel like my second family. All of the new Journey kids could relate to my experience, and all of the returning ones would help us to feel included, even ones that had only been in one or two shows.
By the end of the show, I didn’t want to leave! So, I didn’t. Even though I started Journey so late, I was so quickly welcomed and taught the ropes. From my first show in the winter, to my first supporting role in the following fall. Because of Journey, I’d found what I love to do and gained the confidence to try new things in the realm of theater as well. Things such as tech crew for a few shows and even auditioning outside of Journey for productions at my school. I’ve recently found myself being one of the ones helping out new kids, and I couldn’t be happier. It is never too late to try something new, it might change the course of your life.
