My decision to take part in the academy musical this year was influenced by multiple factors, but determination to step out of my comfort zone is the one I would pick out as the most important. Extra-curricular activities such as a school drama production require effort, hard work and willingness to take risks. Although having very little experience in theatre lowered my confidence at first, the minute I walked into that audition I knew that I would benefit and learn so much from taking part in this musical. The warm welcome and enthusiasm I received from the teachers, my peers and the drama department as a whole, gave me the boost that I needed to climb out of my bubble of insecurities and explore my abilities to their fullest. Mostly I loved working on this production because I truly understood what it is like to be a part of a hardworking, dedicated community. As an external student who came to Chelsea Academy in September 2015 I can confidently say that I no longer have to worry about being an outsider. The cast of Calamity Jane was composed of students from Year 7 to Year 13 working together as a team, with each individual developing their talents and improving further with each rehearsal.
If you’re a parent reading this, you might be thinking your child can not possibly have time to be ‘messing about’ in a school play when they are too busy with their coursework, IL and GCSE preparation. Well, that is where you are wrong. I am a Year 12 student with one hectic revision schedule for my AS examinations starting in less than two months and I played the main role in a 2 hour long musical for 3 nights in a row. Imagine the amount of lines, songs, dance moves I had to remember. Picture the days I had to stay for extra hours after a long school day for rehearsal. And now look at the sensational outcome. Calamity Jane was a real success and I can honestly say that all of our hard work definitely paid off. As you can see, it is not impossible to find a balance between our studies and hobbies; I am saying this especially for the aspiring students who are aiming for success but are doubting their ability to manage so much at once. To anyone who has even a slight interest in musical theatre, who wants to develop their acting/singing/dancing skills while having a blast with their schoolmates I would definitely recommend taking part in the school musical next year. It’ll be an experience you’ll never forget with memories to cherish forever.
Salome (Year 12)