There haven’t been many times in my life when I’ve been in shock. Like literally blown away.
I think finding out that we were pregnant (all three times) was a surprise, but never a real shock. I suppose that could be attributed to all the unprotected sex. ;)
Meeting Travis and discovering that he had NINE brothers and sisters (now SIXTEEN!) was a fun surprise. It just meant holidays would be extra loud and there would be birthday celebrations nearly every month. More cake for me.
Hearing that the sellers accepted our $150,000 offer on a $199,000 house. That was a wonderful surprise – now if only we could finish the renovations and move in!
I would definitely consider my life pretty even keeled. The highs and lows have never been REALLY high or REALLY low. More like hills and dips instead of mountains and valleys. And I know that I’m blessed to be able to say that. So very blessed.
All that being said, this past Friday, for the first time in a very long time, I was FLABBERGASTED!
I wasn’t even sure if I would audition.
I have a continuing education test coming up at the end of February that I desperately need to study for. New classes at the Fitness Center. And two kids that are by my side all but two hours a day. The blog. Freelance writing. A husband to tend to. Busy. I’m busy. (and yes, I know. I do this to myself.) The day of auditions, I asked Travis if I was taking on too much, maybe I should just skip this show.
He said I could handle it.
So I went to auditions. I even dressed up and wore my hair down. For any of the Overlook Theater’s productions, you don’t audition for a PART. You just audition. You sing with a group and then by yourself. And you read lines for multiple parts. So I sang. And I read. And I went home. Knowing that I’d be in the show, but surely not have a significant role.
In your body, the muscle responsible for causing a desired motion is called the prime mover, or AGONIST. The muscles assist the Agonist to perform the desired motion are called SYNERGISTS.
Off stage, I’m an AGONIST, through and through. I get things going. I like being in charge, first-in-command. I THRIVE off of control (often much to my demise).
However, on stage, I am a SYNERGIST. A supporting role. A backup dancer/singer/performer. Few lines. Less responsibility.
Tiger Lily. Not Wendy.
Well….not this time.
I was cast as Alice in our upcoming production of Alice In Wonderland. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To say that I’m SHOCKED would be an understatement. I don’t get these roles. I don’t even know if I can memorize all these lines! I’ve never acted before – not REALLY. I never took drama growing up – this is my adult hobby. And speaking of adults, Alice is supposed to be a young girl. Which I am, in fact, not. The sagging boobs give me away.
Yet under all of my self-doubt and pre-show nausea, I KNOW I CAN DO THIS. I’ll memorize my lines. I’ll dance my butt off. Sing like a bird. Hit every mark.
I’ll do all of this because I’m an AGONIST.
It’s what we do.**
QUESTION: Have you ever acted before? Any tips on memorizing lines? Would you consider yourself a Synergist or an Agonist??
splendid…lindsay
(**but good gravy, am I ever nervous!!)
Jentry Nielsen says:
WAHOO! That is so exciting! I know you’ll do AMAZING! I can’t wait to hear how it all goes!
Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life) says:
So cool! Congratulations!! Acting is one of those things I’ve always thought I’d love to try… if only I could sing at ALL. You’re going to do great!
Katie @ peacebeme says:
Congrats to you! Although I would say that the acceptance of your house offer that much under the asking price is pretty shocking too. ;) So cool you are going to be Alice!
Beth @ Miles and Trials says:
Congratulations! You deserve it and I’m sure you will be an amazing Alice.
Annette@FitnessPerks says:
CONGRATS!! That is awesome!
I did musicals & shows in HS (I was a Thespian<—more like a wanna be actress who took tons of acting lessons. I am not very good, but I CAN dance!)
Bek @ Crave says:
Congrats- you’ll do great :)
Danica @ It's Progression says:
Congratulations!! You’re right–you CAN do this.
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says:
That is awesome!! Congratulations to you! :) :)
I used to do lots of acting as a kid, but it’s been years since I’ve done anything. I have no advice whatsoever, but I have no doubt that you will rock it!
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie says:
Way to go girly! I’m so excited for you to rock the part of Alice!
Maria says:
Congratulations! You might be surprised, but we all knew you were destined for great things, so no surprise to us :)
I would LOVE to see you perform and cheer you on!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says:
Congrats Lindsay! So proud of you, I know you’ll ROCK it!
Tina @ Best Body Fitness says:
SO pumped for you! I hope I can come see you in it. Laura and I need to make a road trip. When is it again?
Shaunna@mamas13minutemile says:
Congrats! That is so exciting. I need to get back on the acting bandwagon! It has been over 10 years but I am a bit jealous of you (In the coolest way possible!) :)
sherice@foodieluvsfitness says:
well the casting people think you are a star!! How awesome!!
She Rocks Fitness says:
Congrats to you! And what a fun role to play…cannot wait to follow you through this! I’m so so so not an actor and actually am petrified of public speaking and being the center of attention. Crazy right? I’m working on it though and the first step is to really get myself more in front of the camera. It’s going to happen this week! XOXO
Meghan @ After the Ivy League says:
That’s so awesome!! Congrats! Such a fun surprise, and what a cool, different hobby! Have a blast!
Lea@RunningForDummies says:
congratulations! Looks like they saw something in you that you couldn’t see in yourself! I am sure you will shine! this is amazing for you!
Kristina says:
this is another of my favorite stories (Wiz of Oz and YOUR Wiz of Oz will always be my favorite!), and I am thrilled for you! I so wish I could come see a performance!
Heather @ Better With Veggies says:
I’m so NOT an actor, which is actually a little surprising since I grew up on stage dancing. But I don’t speak…it doesn’t work well. :) Congratulations again!
Heidi Nicole says:
Congratulation! This is awesome! You’ll have so much fun with it! Seriously, so excited for you!
Madison @ Pilates Makes You Happy says:
HOLY CRAP! I had no idea you were into theater! This is amazing news! You should be so proud!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says:
You need to get a video recording of this!!! I wish I could come see you! Congrats!!! It will be a lot of work but such a great experience! Haha I have no advice though, I used to want to be an actress but my drama teacher in 8th grade killed that dream…
Alex says:
Record you reading your lines on your iPhone. Or make up fun ways to remember your lines. With Heather in Wizard of Oz she was having a hard time with a scene and we did funny hand gestures till she remembered. I personally (though I never have many lines myself) like to run lines, usually with Kaley. I do one silly one to get all my lauging out and then a “serious” one. Plus Scotty is going to make you do it over and over and over….etc. Can’t wait to see it!! <3
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says:
Congratulations Lindsay!!!! I’m so so very excited for you! You will totally rock it. Enjoy!
Bonnie says:
Loved seeing this excitement on FB and I love hearing the whole story now! CONGRATS, friend! Maybe you aren’t so much of a supporter/side lines girl on the stage after all! ;) Truly – great, great job friend! I know you will work hard to make it all happen and balance life well! :D
janetha says:
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says:
I’m so excited for you, Lindsay! I know you will be an absolutely amazing Alice :)
Sharla says:
Congrats!!! I wish I could come see your show!!
jobo says:
Congrats!! that is so very awesome and much deserved!!
Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian says:
Congrats!!! I was part of a theatre company in high school and I participated in acting classes, so I always had to memorize lines. My tip is to chunk them – memorize a page or two at a time. Use mnemonic devices to remember line cues – that always helped me, especially with scenes where lines overlapped each other.
Natalie @ Free Range Human says:
CONGRATULATIONS! That is so exciting! I love the theatre, and I have always wanted to audition for some community theatre roles. I’ve done some directing and I absolutely love that!
Marcia says:
Wow Congrats AGONIST!! You can so do this! Enjoy it. So excited for you!
Corrie Anne says:
Congratulations, Lindsay! You are going to have a blast!!
Emily says:
Ahh! Congrats! What a wonderful start to the New Year:) You’re going to rock it. I hope we get to see lots of behind-the-scenes stuff!
Danielle says:
Congratulations how amazing!!!
Katie says:
I’m so proud of you! I wish I could be there to watch you perform…theater is SO (so, so, so!) out of my realm of talents/know-how I have SO much respect and admiration for you!
Ericka @ The Sweet Life says:
You rock and so many congrats! That’s awesome! It actually makes me want to step out of my comfort zone and do something crazy! So cool, can’t wait to hear more :)
Becki @ Fighting for Wellness says:
Love this! Congratulations! :-)
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says:
Lindsay! This is such fantastic news- I’m so thrilled for you! And I have no doubt you’ll be amazing… now if only I lived close enough to come see it!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says:
So very excited for you!!! I really going to try to come. Gotta see you before you get too big and I can only get balcony seats in arenas. ;)
I stay off the strange. Unless I’m spray painted orange in a bikini. Lol!
Sara @ fitcupcaker says:
Wow, big part, how awesome. I have never acted before. What A great opportunity!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says:
Congratulations Lindsay! You’ll do awesome! I’m so excited for you!
Heather says:
CONGRATS that is so so exciting, you deserve this girl!
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says:
I think it’s just one more thing on the list of reasons of why you are AWESOME that you do community theater! I grew up in the theater- my whole family did! We were always doing musicals and I LOVED it. I miss it!
CONGRATS on landing the role- you are perfect for it!!
Miz says:
HUGE CONGRATS
Im an ex-tv woman although not acting just being myself :-) thats crazy enough.
xoxo
Melissa @ Live, Love, & Run says:
Congratulations, Lindsay!! You’ll absolutely rock the role!!
Lee says:
That’s awesome!! Congrats.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says:
I am SO excited for you!!! Watching you act/perform makes me long to get back on the stage and do it myself. :) I used to LOVE it, and directed a number of musicals at my summer camp. It is one of the joys of my life, but, like you (until now), I was always a side character, or a chorus member, or just a participant.
You might be flabbergasted, but I’m not! I’m also a little envious, and perhaps the type of good envy that leads to inspiration for seeking out a little stage time for myself in a couple of months…
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says:
FREAKING CONGRATULATIONS!!! As a former theatre major (seriously) this gives me goosebumps for you :)
You are going to ROCK it.
Now, can Travis live stream the performance ;)
Katie says:
CONGRATS!!!!! How damn awesome! I seriously wish I could go and watch you as Alice! Can you record it?!! :)
So happy for you, I know you will do well!
As far as memorizing, I mean I know Britney Spear’s songs off by heart and even NKOTB ones still, lol! I am such a dork! I know you will get those lines down!
What great news to start the week! <3
lindsay says:
You will stun them all with your performance. That I know! Congrats!!
lindsaymwright says:
thanks friend! now come here and help me learn my lines!
Purelymichelle says:
girl this is awesome!!! you are so talented…you are amazing! best of luck with this
lindsaymwright says:
thanks, michelle!
Heather says:
Congrats!! I love your analogy. ;) With an attitude like that, you’ll totally rock it. Have fun!
lindsaymwright says:
I know I will! thanks, Heather!
tiffany @ dynamics of happy says:
OMG SO EXCITING
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
(pretend that i’m a computer genius and can make that all bold, size 60 font, flashing, and confetti dropping down the comment box)
how about that for a great way to ring in the new year ;)
did you get that fortune cookie shortly before getting the role?
i swear, fortune cookies have always been SPOT ON for me!
lindsaymwright says:
lol…i love your excitement! Thank you for that!!