Step outside your comfort zone

I auditioned for a play this week. For the first time in (20???) years. This is the response I got:

Shelley,
Thank you so very much for coming out this week to audition for our production, my team all agreed that you did a fantastic job and I very much appreciate your time and sharing your talents with us. We had one of the strongest groups of auditions I’ve ever witnessed and only a few roles to give out.
Unfortunately we did decide to take the role in a different direction, and we will not be able to offer you a part. I truly appreciate your interest in our show.

So. Backstory is: I haven’t performed in 20 years, there’s no reason I should have been cast; and I was happy to have the chance to try something I love, again. I’m a seasoned corporate communications professional. Lately, my degree in theater and set-building has only been put to use entertaining kiddos and remodeling homes. As hard as it was to put myself out there, the audition was one of the best things I did this week.

Here are my takeaways to share:
– Go somewhere no one knows you – see how they see you with a fresh perspective. It’s delightful.
– Do something you’re a novice at – set your ego aside and put it out there. It’s a healthy stretch.
– Be ok with knowing what you want to work on, and what you’re great at. Because, my dears, you are good at SO MANY things.

Keep going.

I thanked the director for the opportunity and offered to crew for the show.

(Pic of me on the way to the audition)