FIRST PERSON How acting in my school musical made me a braver person

I never expected to get the lead role

First Person columns are personal stories and experiences from kids written in their own words. For more information and to learn how to submit your own piece, scroll to the bottom of the page. 

I had just arrived at school, ready for another day of Grade 5, and sat down on a nice comfy chair. 

I was reading a book when there was an announcement.

“Today at 1:10 there will be auditions for a musical.” 

My friends all jumped up in excitement and asked me, “Will you be going, Rasleen?” 

I thought about it and said, “Sure.”

I really had no interest in drama, but I still tried out for the musical because my friends were doing it. 

I didn't think about what I was saying. I just said “sure” and walked off. 

Did I know what I was doing?

At 1:10 p.m., there was a line outside the drama room. 

Everyone looked like they were bursting with energy. 

When I arrived at school that morning I had no idea I’d be standing in that hall.

But now that I was doing it, I suddenly felt nervous.

What if I wasn’t any good?

I was taking a risk and putting myself out there.

My friends called me to join them in the line. I ran to them, we started talking and soon it was our turn to audition. 

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The audition 

I entered the room and our drama and music teachers made us say lines from the musical.

It was called Musicville. I had never heard of it.

They then tested our singing skills and then asked what type of role we wanted to play.

The teachers were smiling and praising me. I felt like I had a chance. 

I was feeling pretty good, so I said, “A big role.”

They said they would look into it.

I started to get nervous. Really nervous.

What if I didn’t get a main role?

Getting the news I wasn’t expecting

A week after the auditions, the cast list was posted.
 
My friends checked and came back yelling, “Rasleen, you got the main role!” 

Sure enough, my name was at the top.

I had the main role, Melody. 

I just stared at it and then started to well up. I was on the verge of tears. 

I was so happy. 

Then I realized: I had to practise. I was in almost all of the 13 scenes in the show.

I had to memorize my lines before the practice and then the teachers would show us the actions and placements.

After two months we were all prepared and ready to go on stage. That was really fun.

We got to stay after school.

We got to eat SNACKS!

I made new friends. 

We got to perform in front of our parents.

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How acting transformed me

When people started clapping, that gave me a boost of confidence.

That confidence stayed with me and made me feel braver.

I felt like I could try more stuff because I actually had a chance.

After the show, I felt unstoppable. I grabbed new opportunities.

I started trying out for more activities, like basketball, and I made the team.

Basketball is now my favourite sport. I am also really good at it. 

I participate in other sports at school like soccer and handball and have won medals and trophies.

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I also became more responsible.

I started helping out in class, at the library and helped paint the backdrop for Musicville.

I auditioned to join a dance group and was selected. 

We even performed at the Mississauga Living Arts Centre, Mississauga’s main theatre.

I worked hard and it paid off.

At my Grade 5 graduation, I got an award for being devoted to the arts, including music, dance, drama and visual arts.

When I started middle school in September 2023, I felt confident that this school would offer me even more opportunities.

I realized that by trying something new, I can have fun — even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone.

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TOP IMAGE CREDIT: Submitted by Rasleen Buttar, graphic design by Philip Street/CBC