I loved your column “Suzanne and the Football Players.” I was one of the “jocks,” the star on the football team. As I was reading, Suzanne would have been right about me, I went to college on a scholarship to play ball. I had an incredible passion for it, and excelled. However, I always had a place in my heart for the “drama nerds.”
For three years of high school and two years of college, I was around all of our school plays and musicals as part of the stage crew, always yearning to be part of production. Only, the tough football guy in me did not have the nerve to try and be in a play (much of that also had to do with my family background as well).
So years have passed, I did leave college and was on academic probation. I have gone through much over the years — always isolated and destroying myself. Finally, after years have passed, I am pursuing my dream of being an actor. My passion for it is as strong as it ever was for sports and actually even stronger.
So, maybe those football players back in your high school were looking for the “A,” but it is possible that at least one of them may have been yearning to be an actor deep down and seized that opportunity!
I recently ran into an incredibly beautiful woman at the gym that was one of those “drama nerds.” She is still pursuing her dream and has had a bit of success. As I told her that I was an actor she just smiled and said, “It’s about time!” She told me that even back then they wanted me to try out because I had presence and passion. I now have the confidence, acting chops, and yes, that presence to “make it.” She is right.
I thank every “drama nerd” that I have come into contact with for showing me how to be free and imaginative! To follow my dreams wherever they may lead.
What a wonderful bit of feedback! Thank you. It warms my heart to know that you’re following your dreams rather than — as many “jocks” might have done — feeling like it was too late to give it a shot, having not been a “drama nerd” in school. Thank you for this email. A lovely reminder!
Now, here’s another reminder. I’m still working on a year-end piece (or series) on issues kid actors face. I’ve gotten a few great emails, but not as many as I had hoped to receive. So, let’s make this the last week to get your suggestions to me (via the email address below) and I’ll start out with the first (hopefully of a few) kid-actor column next week. Thanks!
Bonnie Gillespie is living her dreams by helping others figure out how to live theirs. Wanna work with Bon? Start here. Thanks!
Originally published by Actors Access at http://more.showfax.com/columns/avoice/archives/000799.html. Please support the many wonderful resources provided by the Breakdown Services family. This posting is the author’s personal archive.