It’s over.

What an experience…my first lead role in a musical, Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls. It was definitely the greatest challenge I’ve faced as an actor to date, but it was a lot of fun stretching to portray this character. The last two months certainly haven’t been easy. The social component of this show has been both the most rewarding and the most difficult I’ve ever had… new friends, stronger friendships, some friendships left on uncertain ground.

My resolve is now even stronger to keep acting. It’s not just that performing is fun. During each show I learn a bit more about myself and people in general by focusing on a character with which I can’t always immediately identify. There’s always something to be found to latch onto; we’re all human… any good character needs to include that humanity and it’s up to the actor to bring that out. We’re not caricatures up on stage; we’re people, and without the audience being able to see that, we’re not providing the emotional catharsis that attracts audiences in the first place. The most thrilling part of acting for me is when I can get into a completely different head space and explore what it’s like to be someone else, if only for a few minutes at a time over the course of a couple months.

I’m going to miss this show: the music, the cast and crew, the whole process. I already do, and we just struck yesterday. Time to start preparing for the next audition…