This winter, I decided to participate in the Winter Musical, Spamalot. This is a “lovingly ripped off” version of the classic 1975 movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As a wee little Freshman, I had no idea whatsoever that it would be an unbelievably time-consuming and challenging task. We began auditions at the end of the fall trimester and rehearsed all through December, January, and the beginning of February to accomplish our production. I personally had to learn how to dance (well), which was the most challenging part for me. Along with playing a knight multiple times, I was a French Foreign Legionnaire and a gay prince named Herbert. The show pushed the talents of everyone involved, because it had to be hilarious and spectacular. A common misconception among people in general, not only actors, is that being funny onstage requires less talent than being dramatic and serious. This is very much not the case. It is extremely difficult to make a good quality show that is Monty Python-esque in the sense that they tried to make their movie look stupidly funny. The musical is more seriously funny. Anyway, I digress.

Essentially, it was extremely difficult, but we pulled it off very very well. I personally was inspired by the seniors in the production, who mentored me through the whole process and who I dream of being when I am a senior. Now that it is all over, I feel like there is a void in my life where that huge time commitment with people who became like family while I was there used to be. I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world even though several times I wanted to do something desperate during rehearsals. My advice to all applying here and who may be coming next year: Try a production. Get up on stage at Coffeehouse or ToadFest. The atmosphere here at Thacher is such that no judgement will come of it, and the only comments you will get will be positive. Believe me, it’s worth it.