Theatre, Failure, and What it Taught Me

The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?


Acting has always been one of my passions. Upon entering high school, I was excited to continue the acting I came to love in middle school. Unfortunately, I quickly hit a roadblock.As a freshman, I auditioned for the first play of the year, but I didn’t get a part. I was disappointed, but I understood, knowing that it was unlikely for a freshman to be cast. I auditioned for the second play, but again didn’t make the cut. The third play of the year was a musical, Cabaret. I felt confident, considering I had been cast in a lead role in all three middle school musicals. At the tryouts, I was one of the few freshmen to remain behind for solo auditions. I was determined to be more than “Ensemble #12.” When the cast list was posted, I went straight to the board... only to read that I had been cast as a sailor. An insignificant, non-speaking “Nazi Sailor.” I was disappointed, but I wasn’t discouraged. Actually, going through the rehearsal process and being part of the show as it came together solidified my love of the stage and made me eager to remain a part of Vistamar Theatre.In my sophomore year, I auditioned for the fall and winter plays but again wasn’t cast. My confidence dropped, and despite being enrolled in a drama class and...

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