Why yes...we do have a show tonight!

Do we have a show tonight?  Do we have to be here early for the show tonight?  Are we going to perform the whole show tonight?  What time does the show start?  How many minutes do I have until the show starts?  Has Act 2 started yet?  (All questions asked by students in the show on which I am currently working!)

I am a mom.  I have 173 children.  I am a teacher.  I have 173 students.  Three of these children/students live under my roof, ask a million questions a day, test my patience, ask me for snacks every 5 minutes, and love me unconditionally.  The 170?  Well...they don't live under my roof, but the other descriptors are fairly accurate!

I am wrapping up a musical that I choreographed at a middle school.  I cannot find the words to explain the rehearsal process that actually explain the rehearsal process.  Most people would run for the hills, 2.5 months after school with 6-8th graders...but me?  I LOVE it!  From the time we audition (4 days of watching kids get up the guts to get in front of a large group and sing!) to the time we perform the show (watching kids get up in front of large audiences to sing, dance and act) so much changes in every child.  They grow, they mature, they do things they never thought possible.  And it is SO. MUCH. FUN. to watch! 

As I was watching the school day shows this past Wednesday, I realized that I was bursting with pride...the same type of pride I feel when I watch my own, real life children do something!  I truly felt like I could cry watching the child that has two left feet finally get the choreography.  Watching another make a quick costume change perfectly.  Watching a techie get the lighting cue!  Watching a boy who is super shy, sing confidently in front of the audience.  Watching a "jock" and a "theatre kid" get along backstage because they are working towards the same goal.  Watching a group of boys rehearse for their number backstage because they want it to be great.  Watching kids take notes that you have given them 10 minutes before and incorporate them into their performance.  And the curtain call at the end???  Don't even ask me about it...I always cry at curtain calls.  (Even when I don't know a soul in the show!)  I just know the hard work and dedication that these kids have put in over the past 2.5 months.  The list could go on...and on...and on.  I am so proud of these kids.  I love these kids!

As parents, we want our kids to be loved by their teachers.  I assure you, parents, teachers love your kids like a mom or a dad.  They get frustrated (as we do with our own children!), but they celebrate the accomplishments, they beam from backstage or the front of the classroom, and they truly want to set up each child for success.  When I close a show and look back, I always hope that each child had a chance to feel successful on that stage. So, if you see me crying after the show, you'll know that I am so stinkin' proud of them...because I really do love those kids!