Introducing the Cast

First and foremost, I'd like to formally introduce myself to everyone and explain exactly why I've decided to start this blog. 

I'm known as Annabel, or Annie to my family, friends, colleagues and fellow cast members, and I'm 21 years old. 

In my 21 years and six months on this earth, I've performed in eighteen musicals, directed one and stage managed two. You could say that I'm no stranger to the stage however the butterflies in my stomach and constant inner anxious monologue never leaves. Those of you who are familiar with these emotions will know exactly what I'm talking about when I say that although I may not have 'stage-fright', the fear of opening up to a crowd of strangers never truly lessens. 

Despite my experience, I haven't performed or auditioned for a show in almost three years. There's a multitude of factors that contributed to this - a fear of not being good enough, the stresses of university and work, lack of motivation and unwillingness to return to certain toxic environments made me withdraw from the lifestyle I lived and breathed for fifteen years. The stage was my home, but I convinced myself I needed to 'move out' and start fresh. 

2019 marks my third year living in Melbourne, and I've had many opportunities to audition for musicals and plays; I've seen advertisements for Heathers, Carrie, Legally Blonde and Rent but I've let them all pass me by. 

I do regret this. I can't even necessarily say that my decision to push pause on my love for musical theatre was the right one. It might have been right for me at the time, but since then I willfully admit that I've cut off my nose to spite my face on multiple occasions. 

In a few days time, the Phoenix Theatre Company is holding auditions for their September production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Jesus Christ Superstar'. In a few days time, I will be auditioning for the production and, should I be successful, this blog will follow my experiences, thoughts and feelings throughout the rehearsal period, leading up to curtain call. 

I look forward to sharing this experience with you all, and can't wait to show you what it's like 

B A C K S T A G E .

'Turn Back O' Man' - Godspell, 2016