One day on my way to work, the director of Woodland Academy’s F.A.A.M.E Arts Camp offered to take all the counselors for auditions at the Fox Theater.

When we arrived at the theater, we saw High School Musical 2 posters everywhere. To our surprise, we were there to audition for a role in the musical. I was so excited to be on the stage auditioning for Disney’s executive producers.

Before my audition, I performed in a commercial to advertise the musical, which was shown worldwide on television. I was so nervous during my audition because the judges were so harsh. Two weeks later, the Fox’s office manager shared the good news that I had been chosen to be a part of the on-stage world premiere of the musical.

I was so excited because I got the opportunity to travel to Newport News, Va. where the first order of business was a 15-hour practice. The next day, we previewed the play for a group of foster children. I was amazed to see all the kids screaming and dancing to the songs.

It is easy to fall in love with acting, I realize as I look back on my first experience.
Almost a year ago, on Mar. 20, I performed in my first stage play at Harper-Archer Middle School in a performance of ‘’Sister Rabbit Takes Harlem.’’ The play was a fund raiser for our choral department. Everyday in school, the music teacher announced auditions for the play.

Since I’ve always wanted to act, I decided to audition, winning a part and getting cast as the main character, Brother Fox. After that first experience in the school play, I was ready to start my acting career.

That experience led to an opportunity last summer to work at my music teacher’s performing
arts camp. Teaching the younger children various Broadway songs and different
scenes from musicals and stage plays really encouraged me to start acting.

After my first show in Newport News, I had six more shows to go before returning to the Fox Theater. After returning to Atlanta, I only got six hours of sleep before going back to work again.

On opening night, we performed on “Good Day Atlanta,’’on Fox5 News. After the performance,
the cast visited the home of Rozonda ``Chilli’’ Thomas from the group TLC. She shared stories about deceased member Lisa ``Left Eye’’ Lopes and offered advice on how to make it in the music industry.

Performing in front of the creators of the musical for the Disney Channel, nerves took over as we awaited a decision on whether we’d tour and perform.

The moment of truth came as we awaited the notes saying whether we were chosen or not chosen. Everyone stood backstage when the director came with the news. The news was good; we earned an A+ rating. The note also said we are going to be the first to travel internationally
performing the world premiere of High School Musical 2 on stage if the economy improved.

I can say that being a Broadway star is fun, but it is also hard work. I mean, you rarely get any sleep; you’re always away from your family, and the longest you stay in a state is one week.

Pretty much, the only aspect I really like about acting on Broadway is the pay and making audiences happy. My experience was exciting and I wish to have more.