White. A blank page or canvas. So many possibilities...Thoughts on first rehearsal

Saturday was day one...ground zero. First rehearsal for Beauty and the Beast. This is unmistakably the largest undertaking for the South Arkansas Arts Center and if Saturday was any indication, it's going to be epic. 137 people auditioned, with several video auditionees and the production team had the unenviable task of whittling down that mammoth number down to 75. That was in April. Now here we are in May, first read through and electricity was in the air. A general feeling that is going to be something special. The assistant director said it best..."These people will soon be your family." And this was every bit a family reunion.

Those of us who had worked together before were ecstatic to see our old buddies and then one by one, face after face, new people. New potential family members...new potential friends. The first day is full of magic. It's all about reunions, meeting new faces and the dreams and hopes of what will be...so many possibilities...

That quote from Sunday in the Park with George is one of my favorites. As an artist, it describes the potential that lies ahead of every endeavor and can prove daunting if you let it. But if you embrace it, you can just feed on it and that will keep you running for the next few weeks. Only those who have lived these moments can appreciate it. As an actor, you're anxious to hear about what the show will be like. As a production member, you're anxiously waiting to hear if all of your choices are going to create that mix you dreamed up in your head.

Magical possibilities...what a way to start a magical show. May we all live happily ever after...