Being Calamity

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…

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)