BWW Blog: Tara Folio - The Beginning of Another National Anthem

Well, here we are; we finally made it to opening night. After practicing for hours on end, analyzing every bit of Sondheim's writing, and making sure every scene runs smoothly, the show is sure to go off without a hitch, right? Think again. The beauty of live theatre is the curveballs it presents; every night is a brand new show with new challenges to overcome. A stage is nothing like a movie set, if something goes awry, the actors can't just say "cut" and start back at the top of the scene; they're in it for the long-haul. Little things can change in a live production and it is the actor's job to keep rolling with the punches. Whether you forget a line of a song, your gun malfunctions during a scene, a prop was forgotten in the wings, or (if you're unlucky, like me) the day of your final run-through you're suffering from a concussion, you have to keep going. In a way, the tiny mistakes that happen during a show can keep you focused and on your toes; hiding the tiny glitches from the audience becomes a game and can help you put even more help you put even more energy into your performance. So it is opening night of "Assassins" at Auburn University. Am I nervous? Yes. Am I excited? Duh. Does my head hurt? Unfortunately. Are we ready to show the audience what we've created? ABSOLUTELY. It's showtime....