by Clif Mccrady

Created on: January 09, 2007   Last Updated: June 20, 2011

If you have never been on stage, helped to create a show...do it now.

Each season the Community Theatre in my town does a show at the Planetarium. Usually they are space-related. Outer space has always been of interest. I blame the Apollo Missions, Skylab and Star Trek.

When I first auditioned for a play, I was scared. I had not been in a play since I was 10. But this would be different. It was readers' theatre, meaning I didn't have to memorize any lines. THANK GOD. I am one of those people that prefers to play it on the cuff, rather than memorize. I have always been that way.

I walked into the theatre to audition and was stunned by the people there. So many people, outgoing and friendly. And I knew none of them. They all seemed to know each other. My immediate thought was, "Leave. Leave now. Run, don't walk." But I stayed. I had to stay, this was my chance.

I was asked by the director if I was interested in any particular part. I was. I read for it with the others and I did not get the part. But seeing the competition, I knew why. The voice on that man was deep and booming - it was incredible. Especially for someone so small and skinny. If I had been casting, I would have cast him. But I did get a part. It was incredible, it was exciting, it was scary.

We rehearsed to get timing right, and we rehearsed to build comfort with one another.

By Opening Night, I was comfortable, I was confident, and I was still a little bit scared.

At the end of the first show, the audience applauded. When my name appeared on the Planetarium Dome and the clapping got louder, I was hooked.

These people, these actors, became my friends and my family. Since that first show only a few years ago, I have been Prince Barin, Senior Chapuys, a clown, Santa Claus, Father Tom, the Sheriff, and Clifford Yore. I have been the "Sound of Murder" and I have operated cameras, lights, and sound. I have written, adapted and been a foley artist. I have even directed.

I love the people in my community theatre, I love the hobby, I love the opportunity. If you get involved in community theatre, you will be tired, exhausted and completely enraptured by the gift.

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