It has begun!

On the opening night of Grease 4 years ago, I had a panic attack. It was one of the most frightening experiences I have ever had. The only other things that come close are the car accident I was in with my Dad when I was in high school and the fever I had last winter. Although those experiences were bad, they truly don't compare to the fear I felt that night. In fact, I think I had less intense fear when I got news that I had cancer. The cancer fear lasted longer--to this day as a matter of fact--but that night was something I can't really explain. I called Neal for comfort, and that really helped, but I wasn't myself until the next morning.

I recall swearing that I was done with theatre forever. The panic attack was my wake up call to quit...at all costs. I was ready to lose my job if they wouldn't let me out of my contract. I had tried to quit for a year and a half to no avail, but this time was different. My principal could tell, and he didn't argue with me. Well, it didn't take long--only 3 years--for me to break down and direct again. LOL!

I held the first set of auditions for Romeo and Juliet this afternoon. My co-director and I went out to dinner afterwards and determined who was on our call-back list for tomorrow. I just finished finding the scenes for the second round of auditions, and I must admit that I'm excited! Unfortunately, a Romeo and Juliet didn't pop out at me, so the selection will be tough. I'm disappointed that we didn't have a better pool of performers, but I guess that just makes me all the more important! I am the Queen ShakeGeek after all!