The Universe Is Always Listening

This article was originally published for The Odyssey on December 18, 2017.

I’ve never been a religious person – I don’t know if there’s a god or several gods – but I do know that faith can be a stronghold when nothing else seems plausible. Besides in myself, my intuition, and my family, I’ve always placed my faith in one constant thing: the universe. If the past year has taught me anything, it’s that the universe is always listening.

I’ve had a rough year. Plainly put, it really seemed like all forces of nature had turned a blind eye to myself and my family this year. We have gone through a lot – both emotionally and physically – in the year of 2017. With American politics and also the state of my future being in constant turmoil, it’s been hard to keep my head up this year. This past summer, I hit the lowest of lows and the rockiest of bottoms. I thought returning to school would fix everything, but that wasn’t the case. It was extremely difficult to keep going and keep acting like everything was okay.

I wanted to give up pretty much every day until a couple weeks into September when I received a call from an executive board member of my student-run theatre group. They were calling with an opportunity, that after much deliberation and a long phone call with my mom, I immediately accepted. Accepting that opportunity was the best thing I’ve done all semester and it might as well have saved me.

After the summer, I truly believed that if there were a higher power out there – whether it be the universe or a god of some sort – that they had given up on me and my family. After receiving that call from my theatre company, I knew that I was wrong in my belief. I needed something to dedicate myself to and there it was as if it had been hand-delivered by fate itself. It sounds cheesy, but I truly mean it when I say this opportunity was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.

Because opportunities have stemmed from it. Those further opportunities won’t just benefit me in the future of theatre, but it will also help me to grow as a person in other organizations and in life in general. Just when I thought the universe had given up on me, things started to be okay again. I was still dealing with issues that were difficult to maneuver, but they weren’t anything I couldn’t handle.

I don’t know that the universe makes everything happen for a reason and I don’t know if the things that happen are to make you stronger. I don’t know if the circumstances in each one of our lives are meant to make or break us. I don’t have those answers. What I do know is that when you are completely drowning and you give some effort to try to stand again, someone or something somewhere will reach out a hand to grab you and hold you up.

Even when things seem like they’re never going to improve, by the graces of wonderful, passionate and good people, you will see the light of day again. The universe is always listening, and even when it’s not, someone is always willing to see the potential in you – even when you can’t see it in yourself.

I am beyond thankful for all the opportunities I’ve been granted thus far. If you told me as a senior in high school that I would be where I am today as a junior in college, I would have never believed you. I had no idea my dreams would manifest in the way that they have. I had no idea I would change my future path a thousand times to adjust and adapt to my passions and goals. I had no idea I would get knocked down by heavy wave after heavy wave only to stand up after what seems like eons of impossibility. I would have never thought that I’d be the strong and resilient individual I am today.

I am so incredibly blessed to have people looking out for me – whether it be my friends, family, professors, colleagues, or kind strangers on campus. Without these people, I would not be standing so strongly where my feet are planted today.

Even when it seems like you’ll never be happy again, better days are coming. The universe is always listening to you and success is always just a step ahead of you. Remember that.

 

Honesty Shouldn’t Be Convenient

This article was originally published for The Odyssey on December 11, 2017.

I’m an incredibly honest person; this can be both good and bad, depending on the situation. No, I don’t go out of my way to be mean to someone, but I’m not afraid to say what I think, even if the truth may hurt. People usually either really enjoy my honesty or they absolutely hate it. They perceive me as a bitch who doesn’t care about anything, which isn’t true. Here’s the thing though: honesty shouldn’t be mixed up with self-interest. If you value honesty at all, you should want others to be honest with you all the time, not just when it’s convenient for you.

Many people think that in a close relationship, people should enable one another and support each other’s decisions, regardless of whether they’re wrong or right. I think if you’re willing to ride or die for someone, that’s one thing, but you shouldn’t enable them or lie to them. A healthy relationship, whether intimate or not, means that you both feel safe and secure in being honest with one another. If you don’t feel comfortable being honest, there’s an issue that should be fixed.

We live in a world where people are very two-faced; it can be hard to recognize how someone truly feels. I’ve been lied to way too many times to turn around and treat someone the awful way I felt after being betrayed. I know it’s hard to trust people but honest people are often the most trustworthy because they have no motivation to lie.

Honesty shouldn’t be convenient; it’s not something that should be utilized when one party is comfortable and then cut out when that party becomes uncomfortable. Honesty is meant to benefit both sides of a situation or circumstance, but perhaps in different ways. Wouldn’t you rather someone be upfront and real with you rather than saying one thing, only to turn around and say something else?

If you would rather have someone lie straight to your face so that you can preserve your feelings or self-interest, you may need to reevaluate yourself and your expectations. That’s not a healthy dynamic.

You shouldn’t value my honesty for entertainment and then turn around and act like I’m this terrible person for telling you the truth later on. Just because you’ve changed your perspective given the circumstance doesn’t mean that I’m a bitch. But sometimes you need to be a bitch to get shit done and almost always you need to be honest to communicate effectively in every circumstance.

You should value honesty in someone no matter what the circumstance; it takes bravery to stand up and say what you truly think about something. Even if you think the truth doesn’t benefit you, it probably does in some way. Just try and keep that in mind.

 

12 Reasons Why I Won’t Find Prince Charming Anytime Soon

This article was originally published for The Odyssey on December 6, 2017.

I am at a point in my life where many of my friends are in long-term relationships. Many of those same friends wouldn’t mind spending the rest of their lives with their current significant others. I have always been the single friend who gives everyone else advice, and while I’m a little tired of third-wheeling, I don’t think I’ll be in a relationship anytime soon. Here’s why:

1. I am terrified to make the first move.

When I see a cute boy, I pretty much keep my mouth shut… forever. I’m not likely to ask them to even hang out as friends, nonetheless on a date. I will never make the first move… I have zero confidence.

2. Commitment is kind of scary.

Not to sound old-fashioned or generalize, but commitment isn’t what it used to be. People are usually never satisfied these days, and it’s scary to see something so good go south so quickly.

3. Sometimes I expect too much.

From both myself and others. I get upset when I don’t receive the results I expected, too. This would be a factor in a relationship that’s hard to work with.

4. My mental health hasn’t been great lately.

I cried over not being able to successfully cook ground meat yesterday.

5. Feelings are dumb.

Feelings can really blind you from seeing something for how it truly is.

6. Dating apps will never be my thing.

I’m never gonna be able to message first. I’m never gonna wanna hook up and I’m never gonna be smooth enough to interact with boys on Tinder.

7. I have zero time to relax.

My schedule is jam-packed with schoolwork, regular work, and other commitments. I don’t even know when I’d be able to make time for a possible date.

8. I am not a patient person.

I’m working on it, but patience is so not my strong-suit.

9. I don’t know how to flirt.

?????Is there a class for this??????

10. I don’t go out enough to meet someone.

The parties I do go to are with friends and friends only.

11. I’m incredibly awkward around boys.

Palms sweaty, mom’s spaghetti awkward.

12. I’m not actually actively looking for anything.

It’ll happen when it happens, right?

 

20 Candidates For 2020 That Are Better Than Trump

This article was originally published for The Odyssey on November 12, 2017.

Half of our news articles seem like Onion articles lately and sometimes we can’t tell the difference. Many of us are ready for another election, myself included. In the event that the world still exists, here are 20 people who are politicians, influencers, celebrities and all-around good people that are better candidates than Trump.*

*This article is mostly a joke and is not to be taken seriously. Next election, please, for the love that is all the good left in this world, don’t elect a celebrity. If the world still exists by next election, think with your brain and make sure the next candidate doesn’t and can’t get a star on the walk of fame.

1. Elizabeth Warren

She’s very conscious of women’s rights – something we will need after these four years of disassembling easy access to birth control and Planned Parenthood.

2. Bernie Sanders

Sanders has been a senator in Vermont for several years now, and he did run for president last year. He cares deeply about the financial status of our nation and he’s a champion of health care regulations.

3. Michelle Obama

While Barack was president, Michelle made waves in terms of familial health, women’s rights, higher education and service families. She and Jill Biden created Joining Forces, an initiative to aid current people acting in the service and also veterans and their families. She went above and beyond to create a program to encourage students to go to college.

4. Joe Biden

Joe has been fighting against sexual assault and rape for a decade. In 1990, he introduced the Violence Against Women Act, which protects women of all races, ages and ethnicities against the injustices that often occur next to domestic violence, date rape, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking.

5. Barack Obama

One of Barack’s biggest projects was working on the affordability of higher education and making community colleges cheaper. He helped increase employment and helped the economy. In addition to this, he halted the Dakota Access Pipeline, which helped Native Americans in a huge way.

6. Melinda Gates

Melinda and Bill created the Gates Foundation, which focuses on the strengthening of human dignity and the increase of equity around the world. By 2020, she hopes to deliver contraceptives to more than 120 million women across the world.

7. John Lewis

Lewis is an influential American leader who not only does he ride or die for civil rights, but is also a huge supporter of income and family security.

8. Anderson Cooper

A true warrior against adversity, Cooper came out last year joining just a handful of openly gay television news anchors and hosts. He’s made it clear he isn’t afraid of DJT which is fantastic in this political climate where journalists are being silenced.

9. J.K. Rowling

I know she’s not an American, but “Harry Potter” has sold more copies worldwide than any other book series and has shaped people of all ages immensely. Being a bestselling author isn’t a qualification for president, but her fearless attitude and passion for world peace are an inspiring place to start.

10. Bono

Also not an American, but the man has worked hard to impact the world, taking strides in the fight against the AIDS and HIV pandemics, poverty in Africa, and has also worked diligently to save the environment both here and in Ireland. He definitely has his priorities straight.

11. Leonardo DiCaprio

His foundation focuses on restoring wildlife, improving the life of and life-span of both green space and living beings on Earth. They’ve invested and awarded over $20 million in efforts to help others fight to save the wildlife of the planet. At the very least he’d re-establish the EPA.

12. Lin-Manuel Miranda

Miranda has been an activist for the natural disasters in Puerto Rico, immigration rights, the DACA dreamers and diversity in film and theatre in just the past year alone. At least every tweet he composes is worth reading.

13. Chance the Rapper

Passionate about the state of Chicago public schools, this rapper has donated to and funded not only to the schools in the system but also to scholarship funds and grants for the students enrolled. We need someone to look out for our children.

14. Taraji P. Henson

Famous most recently for her academy award winning motion picture “Hidden Figures” and popular show “Empire,” Taraji is no stranger to the fight for inclusion and diversity in film and television. She firmly believes that more women should also be involved in these scenes in more leadership roles.

15. Joan Baez

Baez sang about social equality, justice, civil rights and peace. She worked closely with Bob Dylan and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to express her political views and promote freedom of speech and protest.

16. Whoopi Goldberg

She’s recently created an entire line of cannabis-based products that help women with period symptoms. Fighting for the legalization of cannabis, women’s rights and women’s health all in one? Perfect.

17. Billy Joel

A brutally honest and down-to-earth man, Billy Joel is a huge activist for child and domestic violence, cancer and autism since the 1970s and 1980s. He also supports music education, AIDS, Red Cross and Anti-Bullying campaigns among others. He could sing our pain away.

18. Ben and Jerry

Using ice cream to change the world’s view on climate change? Genius. Just as the ice cream melts, so do the polar ice caps. They’ve encouraged consumers to sign petitions and speak to government officials to fund clean energy and a cleaner planet. Also, they would absolutely be co-presidents.

19. Ellen DeGeneres

A talk show host who cares deeply for gay rights, gender and identity inclusivity, equality, charity, philanthropy, and making dreams come true, Ellen is truly someone we can afford to have in office. No, you can’t solve a problem by throwing money at it, but she is empathetic, something we need more of in this world.

20. The entire cast of Stranger Things

Earlier this year, after winning a SAG award, David Harbour said, “We will punch some people in the face when they seek to destroy the weak and the disenfranchised and the marginalized. And we will do it all with soul and with heart and with joy.” Perfect and relevant, as always.

Come Out, Come Out To See Act V’s Dear Harvey

This article was originally published for The Odyssey on November 28, 2017.

For the past few years, Act V Theatre Company has presented a comedy for their fall play. This year is different; “Dear Harvey” is a true story that details the rise and fall of LGBT political activist, Harvey Milk. The heart-wrenching and brutally honest production is presented through memories and stories told by his closest friends and colleagues. In short, this is one Act V Theatre Company Production you don’t want to miss.

Written by playwright Patricia Loughrey with music composed by Thomas Hodges and photography by Daniel Nicoletta, “Dear Harvey” presents not only personal stories and anecdotes but also Milk’s legacy that he left behind after his tragically short political career. The play was written for the 30th anniversary of Harvey’s assassination, which happens to be coming upon us soon: November 27.

During his year in office, Harvey faced an outpouring of discrimination and prejudice. This never stopped him from fighting for the rights of LGBT citizens, both in The Castro and across the nation. Finding an ally in Mayor George Moscone, Harvey fought against the anti-gay campaigns of John Briggs and Anita Bryant, two people who fought tooth and nail to “constitutionalize bigotry.”

Milk fought against their attempts to discriminate against LGBT members of society within their homes, their workplaces, and even in the streets. “The fact is, is that in 1978 it is perfectly acceptable to fire a gay person from his or her job, not for any reason related to the job but simply because that person is gay.” 1978 was a year where gay people could be arrested for dancing in bars, teaching children, getting in fights, and other unfair offenses. It was a critical time for the LGBT community and Harvey Milk and his friends came together to reform LGBT rights.

Featuring trailblazers such as Cleve Jones, Robin Tyler, and Anne Kronenberg, “Dear Harvey” is a tale of green hair, open windows, a lavender pen, and eleven months. It is a story about Harvey Milk but it is also a story about all of us.

Join Act V Theatre Company in remembering Harvey and all of his friends during their production of “Dear Harvey” running from December 1-3. On Friday and Saturday, the shows begin at 8 p.m. and on Sunday, the matinee begins at 2 p.m. All productions will be performed in Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are $3 with SU ID and $5 for the general public.

8 Ways To Solve Your College Problems That Are All ‘Take A Nap’

This article was originally published for The Odyssey on November 22, 2017.

We’re at that point in the semester where the end is nigh, but not nigh enough. As I write this while procrastinating other work, I have a pretty good idea of what giving up feels like, as I’m feeling it right now. If you’re feeling anything like I am right now, you’ve probably got a ton of assignments and papers to start, but just can’t find the motivation. As per my expert advice, here are 8 ways to solve all your college problems that are all ‘Take a nap.’

1. Take a nap

Stressed? Anxious? Depressed? A nap will fix all of that (temporarily). But then you could always just…

2. Take a nap

Turn up the air conditioner, take off those socks (please), and curl up in bed. You need to relax and fuel up for your next big task which is to –

3. Take a nap

Napping can really take a lot of out of you. After napping, drink some hot chocolate, eat something good and then settle back down to fix your problems. It’s important to think about your to-do list and then after you feel overwhelmed, just –

4. Take a nap

Okay, now it’s time to get down to business. You know what you have to do, so you have to gather your tools. You probably need to charge your laptop and your phone and so the only logical thing to do next is to…

5. Take a nap

Make sure to watch or listen to something soothing and or happy before napping, this way your dreams are good. However, if you’re having any bad dreams, you know what to do.

6. Take a nap

Gather your laptop, gather your textbooks and homework and then head to the library. It’s important to find a quiet and isolated spot in the library so that you have peace to study, work and of course,

7. Take a nap

After a long day of stressing out over procrastination, studying and a pile of work so large it could probably fight Mount Rushmore, you should honestly treat yourself. Go home, put up those feet, turn on some sweet background noise and finally finish your to-do-list for the day. It’s important to follow through with your goals. The only way you can finally solve all of your college problems is to honestly, just bite the bullet and –

8. Take a nap

It’s simple, really.

 

13 Times Your Fall Semester Was Upside Down, As Told By ‘Stranger Things’

This article was originally published for The Odyssey on November 8, 2017.

Stranger Things season 2 was released on Netflix last week and most of us have spent our free time intensely binging it.

Even if you haven’t finished your binge, you’re probably obsessed with the Hawkins children and even more terrified of the upside down. As we get deeper and deeper into the semester, we’re probably at least equally terrified of the final projects, presentations and papers just around the corner.

Here are 13 ways your fall semester is beginning to resemble the upside down, as told by our favorite Stranger Things characters.

1. When a professor says the words “group project.”

How could you do this to us professor?

2. Looking at the calendar and realizing it’s Monday…AGAIN.

The first five days after the weekend are always the hardest.

3. Struggling to get out of bed because you don’t care anymore.

It’s so easy to say no and stay in bed, but attendance… my grade… they’re depending on me.

4. When a professor says the words “final paper” and “final exam” in the same sentence.

Final paper? Final exam? PICK ONE!

5. Waking up late, and booking it to class because you can’t skip any more.

Truly the worst tragedy any of us will have to endure.

6. Running low on flex dollars and having to skip coffee some days.

How can I function if I’m not drinking coffee and not sleeping?

7. Beginning to complete work for other classes in other classes.

And not paying attention, being called on, and having everyone stare at you as you have no idea what the heck is going on.

8. Spending your free time thinking about studying about homework even though it’s free time.

Free time is an illusion. Time is also an illusion.

9. Having to schedule your mental breakdowns and crying time into your regular schedule.

This is too much.

10. Spending more time in the library and study rooms rather than your room because sleep no longer matters.

Disorientation is just an essential part of life.

11. When every conversation with your friends is about wanting to sleep, being tired, or having no motivation.

We all just need a hug.

12. Basically floating through your routine, classes and activities while feeling like crap.

Trying not to cry on campus is now something you can add to your resume.

13. Crying through your assignments in hopes that it will all be over soon.

Just keep holding on. We’re closer to the end of the semester than we are to the beginning of it!

 

17 Disney Channel Original Movies Even ’90s Kids Probably Forgot About

This article was originally posted for The Odyssey on October 30, 2017.

’90s kids can become pretty nostalgic thinking about the television shows they watched during their childhood.

There’s always talk of cartoons from Nickelodeon or ABC, but no one ever mentions the old school Disney Channel. We had it good in the 2000’s when Disney Channel was making original films exclusively for Disney Channel viewers, titled DCOM’s. Here are 17 DCOM’s you probably forgot about, and will definitely want to arrange a marathon to watch again!

1. Jump In

How could you forget the iconic double dutch movie with both Corbin Bleu and Keke Palmer? Where Corbin Bleu began his music career? Where we all thought we could do the double dutch tricks they did in the show and failed miserably? If you don’t remember, no worries – fortunately, this film is on Netflix.

2. Read it and Weep

Another classic with Disney Channel sisters Kay and Danielle Panabaker. I remember seeing the tablet that Kay wrote on and wishing I had something similar to journal in. This movie can also be found on Netflix.

3. The Even Stevens Movie

Sometimes I forget that Even Stevens even existed and then I see Shia LaBoeuf and remember everything. Right after he graced us with his presence in Holes, Shia Laboeuf and co-star Christy Carlson Romano wowed us in The Even Stevens Movie. Though this one isn’t on Netflix, it is on Hulu.

4. Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off

Eddie Ogden was the original Zeke from High School Musical. He was a baseball player who loved cooking and decided to pursue it alongside his sports career, leading to some pretty crazy shenanigans. Because this one is so rare, you’ll have t pay to see this movie. It’s only $5.99 on YouTube.

5. Smart House

Before SmartPhones went viral, we all wanted to live in the Smart House that sort of controlled everyone inside, but that’s mostly irrelevant! The party Ben throws without his family knowing was so cool! You can rent this film on Amazon.

6. Wendy Wu Homecoming Warrior

The ultimate girl-power movie. From trying to win the title of Homecoming Queen while attempting to learn the ropes of being a warrior, Wendy Wu is not to be trifled with. You can find this gem on Netflix as well.

7. Zenon Girl of the 21st Century

Who didn’t love the Zenon series? Though the first one was arguably the best – the whole series was amazing! The technology was definitely out of this world. Not only was Kirsten Storms best friends with a character played by Raven Symone, but the film also gave us the wonder that is Protozoa. Watch this film on Amazon or YouTube.

8. Pixel Perfect

Before Ricky Ullman totally fell off the face of the Earth, he starred in this film about a boy who creates a holographic lead singer for his best friend’s band. The scene where everyone runs out of the hospital in the pouring rain was so dramatic for me as a child. You can purchase this film on iTunes.

9. Life is Ruff

Kay Panabaker, Kyle Massey, Mitchel Musso and an amazing labrador retriever star in this fantastic film that combines skateboarding, romance, dogs shows and teenage mischief, this film is a force to be reckoned with. You can watch online at Amazon, YouTube, iTunes and Google Play.

10. The Thirteenth Year

This movie was 18 years early for the mermaid fad that has swept our generation in recent years. Telling the story of a young boy entering his teen years, this movie also told the story of a star-swimmer coming to terms with the fact that he is a mermaid. Mer-man? They struggle with the terminology here too. Find it online from Amazon Video for just $2.99.

11. Double Teamed

A heart-warming tale based on the true story following basketball star twins Heidi and Heather Burge, is one that we will always remember in our hearts. The two girls learn lessons of teamwork, acceptance and bravery in this film which can be found on Amazon and Youtube.

12. Gotta Kick It Up

Face it, after this movie, you wanted to be on a dance team more than anything. Starring America Ferrara and Camille Guaty, this movie teaches audience about tolerance, cooperation and teamwork. Si Se Puede! Put that vaseline on your teeth, kick up those feet and watch it again on Amazon and Itunes!

13. Twitches

Well after Halloweentown came Twitches, a two-part movie series that involves the witchcraft shenanigans of twins sisters played by Tia and Tamera Mowry. Both movies can be found on Amazon.

14. Cadet Kelly

Telling the funny and relatable story of a teen sent to military school, this movie stars the unforgettable Hilary Duff and Christy Carlson Romano. We will never forget the ending scene with ribbons and streamers. Find it and enjoy the feelings all over again on Netflix.

15. The Luck of the Irish

Similar to The Thirteenth Year, this teenager must hide the fact that he is both a basketball star and a leprechaun. Similar to Space Jam, he must battle some other fantasy characters in order to keep his family from the control of evil leprechauns. Never forget the “This Land is Your Land” cover. Feel the confusion and watch it on Youtube and Google Play.

16. The Cheetah Girls

Once a Cheetah Girl, always a Cheetah Girl! Re-live your cheetah-licious days watching the first and second movies, which are a blast. The third one doesn’t have Raven Symone in it, which begs the question, were they ever really Cheetah Girls, Cheetah Sisters? Answer the question for yourself when you watch all three movies on Netflix.

17. Stuck in the Suburbs

Can you spell iconic? Starring Danielle Panabaker, Brenda Song and Saturday Night Live’s Taran Killiam, this movie won over all of our hearts the minute it aired on television. After rockstar Jordan Cahill is pressured to appear a certain way by his label, these two teen fans set out to reveal the true Jordan Cahill. Do they succeed? You’ll have to find the movie on Youtube to find out!

 

You’re Actually The Worst If You Have One Of These 12 Terrible Tinder Bios

This article was originally published for Swoon on October 23, 2017.

If you’ve never used Tinder, consider yourself lucky.

Anyone who has spent even five minutes on the app can tell you that it’s mostly a waste of time. You either find people who have their life story in their bios, or they have the same quotes from the same television shows that everyone is tired of hearing about.

If you had a dollar for every time you saw these 12 bios on Tinder, you’d have enough money to pay for college, probably.

1. “Favorite Food: Milksteak. Hobbies: Magnets. Likes: Little Green Ghouls. Dislikes: Peoples’ Knees.”

I like “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” as much as the next person, but this is the worst. Nobody likes peoples’ knees! It’s not funny anymore!

2. “Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.”

You probably don’t even know what Battlestar Galactica is. FOH.

3. “Some people call me _____, but you can call me tonight.”

This line is so old it’s not even smooth anymore; just crusty.

4. “Not (insert legal age here), 17.”

Listen, I know it was the bee’s knees to make Facebook profiles when you were 13 and say that you were 21, but this is downright terrible.

5. “Just looking to meet people/make friends.”

Okay, I know I’m a wildcard for looking for a relationship on the app, but friends?! LEAVE.

6. “Anything you wanna know, just ask.”

Okay, I would, except, you never answer my messages.

7. “Looking for my tinderella…”

HARD PASS.

8. “‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take’ – Wayne Gretzky – Michael Scott”

I don’t think this has ever been funny. I can’t be the only one.

9. “I don’t message first.”

You probably don’t message back either.

10. “Just got out of a long-term relationship and-“

Okay, we haven’t even met yet. I don’t need your relationship history.

11. “I enjoy long walks on the beach.”

Swipe left.

12. “‘One hell of a guy.’ – New York Times. ‘Outstanding gentleman.’ – Washington Post. ‘I wish I could be more like him.’ – Ellen.”

Can’t you just introduce yourself like any normal person?

10 Things You Understand If You’re A Theatre Kid Who Hates ‘Theatre Kids’

This article was originally published for The Odyssey on October 17, 2017.

I’ve been a part of student-run theatre since I was a freshman in high school.

Now a junior in college, I have developed a little bit of a resistance to a certain ‘type’ of theatre personality. Not all theatre kids are like this, but I have the patience of a peanut for the ones who are.

This being said, I still enjoy theatre and those who participate in it very much, but I do enjoy silence and personal space also.

1. You hate when people burst into song.

I’m not a particularly talented person when it comes to singing, and I’m definitely not someone who enjoys other people bursting into song. I actually kind of hate it more when other people join in. Especially when we’re not even rehearsing for a musical.

2. Hamilton is a genius musical, but you don’t like talking about it 24/7.

Hamilton is the best – it’s a genius musical that exhibits people of color in major roles and tells the truth about our founding fathers through hip hop and rap. It’s a cool thing to reference every now and then – and maybe with your closest friends – but not after every word your director says. We can all rap Hamilton’s lines – you’re not special.

3. You understand that this is the drama department, but you don’t understand why everyone is so dramatic.

We’re all here because we love theatre and care deeply about this amazing show. We don’t need to spread rumors about one another, and no one needs to act like they’re better than anyone else. We are a team.

4. Everyone is so LOUD ALL the time.

Let me know why you’re cool with shouting lyrics during a break but can’t find your loud voice during rehearsal with no mics.

5. It’s actually the worst when you’re off book, and no one else is.

Lowkey, it’s even worse when people just stand there trying to remember a line instead of calling out “line?” This is equally frustrating when you’re on stage crew or on the production team and are on-book for this sole reason.

6. It’s annoying when everyone hates the director.

Okay, maybe this sucks because I’ve actually been a director, but directors have a hard job! It’s difficult to direct people in a creative setting! Give them a break and maybe, just maybe, check yourself before you wreck yourself.

7. People who brag about theatre, but then show up late to rehearsal constantly really get on your nerves.

*sips tea.*

8. I like musicals, and I like Broadway musicals, but not everyone has seen every musical.

You don’t have to see shows on Broadway to be a theatre kid. There are poor theatre kids, too. Quit talking about how you sat next to Jared Padalecki at Dear Evan Hansen. I’m happy for you, but I’m lucky to see the man on a color television.

9. Theatre kids tend to be very touchy. I enjoy personal space.

First off, we probably aren’t friends. Second off, even if we are, I’m not a touchy person. Third, if you wanna hang on me, cuddle or whatever else you’re trying to do without my consent, you can catch these hands.

10. When people are rude to stage crew, you get upset.

Stage crew works just as hard as you do. Don’t be fucking rude. Thank them and listen to them when they say you can’t do something. Without them, there is no show.