BWW Blog: Rebecca Donaldson - High School Theater Addict is ALL SHOOK UP

As a regular participant in theater throughout my community, I rarely get a break. Often, I audition for a role before the show I am currently cast in finishes running. In March, I somehow managed to pull off being in two shows at the same time; further exemplifying my self-titled and extremely suiting phrase "High School Theater Addict". I would not doubt for even a fraction of a second that I can be found stating, "I can't...I have rehearsal," more often than anything else. And while my weekend and afterschool schedule differs from most people my age, it affords me the benefit of having the most diverse medley of friends, along with the ability to learn skills that are absolutely priceless to me, as I am absolutely in love with performing.

Although I am usually present on the stage, I have decided to expand my theatrical horizon and take on the role of stage manager. The Main Street Youth Theater in Hilton Head Island, SC will be performing All Shook Up June 22-July 3 and if there was a word I could use to express my excitement I'm not altogether certain that the English language has created it yet. Auditions were held May 9th and 10th, and after some excruciatingly difficult decisions, we have selected a truly astonishing cast! Remarkably, in community youth theatre, often a cast consists of high school students from different schools throughout the community who are finally able to come together outside of individual high school theatre programs and create an amazing show.

I am ecstatic to work on the production side of this show alongside director Michelle McElroy. I have worked with her many times and know that All Shook Up will be a phenomenal production; as it is already highly anticipated. Under her direction, I have no doubt that the cast selected will grace the stage with absolute perfection.

All Shook Up is a fun and family-friendly show that will keep the audience full of contagious laughter. I cannot wait to watch this show begin to unfold and transform into another local masterpiece as we enter the rehearsal and tech process. There are a million reasons that I am blessed to live in the Lowcountry. The capabilities of our youth here locally as it pertains to the performing arts certainly tops that list. Even the show's choreographer, Jamal Edwards, stated, "I was blown away by everyone at the auditions! For such a small island we really are jammed packed with talent!" I am beyond excited for this show and cannot wait to see it have so much success in the community!