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Every role counts
| Passions in Prose |
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Every role counts |
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LoveBug
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697
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“The fire!” the medicine man yelled as a pillar of fire appeared. The smoke curled up into the starry summer sky as the terrified Englishman was tied to a pole. The Native Americans danced around him with torches, preparing to torture him. The audience was enthralled. Yes, the Native Americans were actors, the punches the Englishman received were fake, and the pyrotechnics were new this year, and added just the right touch. I was a part of one of the best things in southern West Virginia, the outdoor production of “The Aracoma Story”. Although I was happy to be a part of it, I wasn’t quite happy about the size of the part. I was Mary Louise. I had six lines, and one scene. I didn’t even get killed off or anything cool like that, I was just an extra. I didn’t count! It didn’t matter that I was in the play! I gave it my all, however. Even though the part was small, I am a performer, first and foremost. That was the first thing I learned from the veterans of this play. So I said those six lines with everything I had, although I was still depressed over the small role I played. But that was about to change, along with my outlook on other aspects of my life. One night, after a performance, I was standing in the “diva line” where we greet the audience, thank them for coming, and where the people with larger parts receive praise and sign programs, esc. I stood there with my fellow “extras” as the people walked past. But one little girl walked up to me. I thought she was going to ask where Princess Aracoma was, so I was ready to point when she said, “You did real good”. I looked down at her, smiled ruefully and said “Oh, did I do good with all six of my lines”? “Yep, you did real good”. And then she was gone. I couldn’t believe my ears. There were over seventy people in this production, most with parts larger than mine, and this little girl had noticed what I had done. I looked down the diva line to see if she was saying the same to all the actors, but I didn’t see her again. I learned a lot of things that summer, but this lesson sticks out in my head. It doesn’t matter about the size of your role, it’s how you play it. Every single part is important, and there is always an audience. So, on stage and off, I try to do the best I can in every role that I find myself in. And maybe, if I give it my all, when the curtain comes down on my life, someone will be there to say, “You did real good”. "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." -Oscar Wilde |
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| © Copyright 2000 Erica N. - All Rights Reserved | |||
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LoveBug
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697 |
Is it really that bad? LOL. Seriously, tell me how I can improve it, please. "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." -Oscar Wilde |
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Dawn Eclipse Senior Member
since 2000-01-31
Posts 637The Horsehead Nebula |
I thought the piece was excelent. I'm not much of a critiquer (just look at the spelling) so I'll leave that to someone else. It does have a very important message though, and I thought it was wonderful. Thanks for letting me read a wonderful story. Sometimes the most important things can't be seen with the eyes, but are rather felt with the heart. *Cassie Roseen* |
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Mistikman Senior Member
since 2000-01-10
Posts 682San Jose, CA, USA |
This is pretty good Lovebug, I am not a prose writer, so I can't really offer any help, but I liked the message here. |
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Dusk Treader
Moderator
Senior Member
since 1999-06-18
Posts 1187St. Paul, MN |
Ahh, Lovebug, this was excellent! I loved the moral of your story, very true and well written. Technically this piece seems right, and it got the point across well and in an easily readable manner, so I think you did quite well. Abrahm Simons Put one foot on the path of life and tread the dagger's path betwixt dark and light. |
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LoveBug
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697 |
Thank you for the nice comments, everyone! They mean a whole lot to me! "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." -Oscar Wilde |
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Marilyn Member Elite
since 1999-09-26
Posts 2621Ontario, Canada |
I think you did a wonderful job with this piece. The only thing I really caught was the lack of real detail. I think you could expand on the entire theme of this piece and add some colorful detail. We are dealing with the theatre and all the wonder there in. I have written many pieces myself that are bare bones just to keep the length down but I think you have room to expand on this one. Thanks for the read.  |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
Lovebug, Your talents amaze me. At age fifiteen, you take the stage in prose and poetry. I would listen carefully to those who are versed in prose, like Marilyn. Her comments are jewels you will add to your crown, and one little jewel of advice will last a lifetime. I am proud of your endeavors. This was a wonderful tale of important meaning. And you told it well. Liz |
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