It's time for the last post in the series about KCACTF. :) Drum roll please...
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The last workshop I attended at
the festival was “Playwriting for Children.” Though the directions of our hands
on activity were confusing at first, in the end, we created a “Choose Your Own
Adventure Play” about Paul Revere’s ride. Lindsay and I acted out our script
(complete with horseback riding) and it was a blast! We had the best time and,
once again, I couldn’t believe I was living my life.
Later that night, I attended the
acting Irene Ryan Final rounds with friends and couldn’t believe how awesome
our BYU students did! After the final rounds was the Award Ceremony.
THIS WAS IT.
I sat in the end seat next to the
aisle. One of the other ten minute playwrights sat behind me and congratulated
me on my performance that morning. I was so touched and congratulated her as
well. As Wade talked about the NPP (National Playwriting Program) and how the
awards worked for the playwrights, all of my BYU friends gave me their full
attention. My hands were held, my back was rubbed and everyone was smiling at
me. I was called up with the other four playwrights and received my “Regional
Finalist” certificate. The entire BYU group stood up and cheered me on. It was
beautiful. I somehow made it back to my chair and then Wade continued
introducing the two “National Semi-Finalists.” At this point, I couldn’t stop thinking,
“It’s not gonna be me. I’m not gonna get it.” Over and over again. It was
agonizing. Jacob Shamy gripped my hand tight and I repeated, “It’s gonna be
fine. It’s gonna be fine.”
And then the moment I’d been
waiting for all week.
Wade called up the playwright
sitting behind me as the first National Semi-Finalist. She glided up, accepted
her award and floated back to her chair. I remember thinking, “Well, I’m done
for.”
Then I heard my name. I heard
“The Shoelace.” I heard my friends screaming. I heard myself screaming and
crying and laughing and then couldn’t feel my legs as I stumbled up to Wade…I
almost fainted, I almost felt like I wasn’t real, but it was real and I was alive and breathing and this was my moment. When Wade handed me my
certificate, I shook his hand and it brought me back to the room screaming for
me. The cameras flashing in my face. The epitome of pride and love washing over
me from my friends I’d grown to know as family. The knowledge that Heavenly
Father answers prayers. The acknowledgement of who I am as a Daughter of God.
The acceptance of myself as a playwright.
I somehow made it back to my
chair and I sobbed into Lindsay’s arms. She held me tight as I cried into her
shoulder, overcome with too many emotions. Everyone looked on and I could feel
their love. I held on. My back was rubbed, tissues were handed to me, and I
couldn’t believe this was happening to me. I kept saying, “This isn’t real.
This didn’t just happen.” But then I’d stop myself and realize IT WAS. This was
my life. My moment.
Whatever happens now, I am just
so grateful for the blessings that have come of this week. I am full of wonder.
I am full of light.
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