Acting Skills

One of the neatest experiences of my life so far was to be apart of this musical.  This is the first time our stake (several LDS local congregations form a stake) has put on a musical and it was of the parable of the 10 virgins from the book of Matthew in the New Testament.  Auditions came at a busy time in my life, but I felt like it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up to at least try-out.

I happened to play the piano for each woman as they tried out, and after the try-outs wrapped up, my confidence was low as the talent was so high.  I would not consider myself a soloist.  I don't think I have that great of a voice, although I was blessed with a really good ear for music.  (Play a note on the piano and I can tell you what it is...I'm not as good with other instruments, but still pretty accurate.)  Actually, my greater area of strength during the try-out I felt was the acting/reading portion.

So 10 virgin parts minus about 6 "shoe-ins" whose voices were amazing, minus the roles for 2 elderly women, the rest of us (about 20) were fighting for 2 spots.  I had already counted myself out and was planning on being a part of the choir.

I was completely shocked and humbled to be offered a role as one of the 10 virgins.  The play is called The Ten Virgins by Emily Freeman.  Each of the songs was written by a different artist.  The thought that went into each virgin was amazing.  Each virgin was a good woman, but some had stronger testimonies than others.  I played "Malka," a woman who is loyal, but my lamp was so beautiful that I was afraid to take it out in case it would break it.  Instead I put it on display in my home for all my friends to admire.  Malka is a young girl, 12-18 years old, who is pretty frivolous and silly.  I definitely would not consider myself a "silly" girl, so this role was a little intimidating.

Because I thought it was such a great honor to even be participating in the play, I took everything really seriously.  I had my parts and song memorized within 10 days, which was mostly due to a misunderstanding on my part of when we were supposed to have everything memorized.  Our director is a really talented singer and actress who has played major roles in local musicals, so I soaked in all her advice and thoughts.  Matt actually helped me quite a bit by letting me "perform" in front of him many, many times and giving me advice on how to loosen up more and "become Malka".

After several Saturday and some weeknight rehearsals, I was really happy with the end product of the whole show.  We performed twice; the first was a dress rehearsal in front of family members and the second night was in front of all the women in the stake.  I was the "comic relief" of the show with my twirling and dancing with my lamp.  For a story that is very serious as each virgin reflects on her worthiness to meet the Bridegroom, I think the role of Malka was a welcome reprieve from the seriousness and I got several laughs from the audience.

It was an unforgettable experience that I will always be glad I got the opportunity to be apart of.  I especially enjoyed really being able to reflect on each virgin's nature to look at my own personal worthiness at this time to meet my Savior again some day.  Especially with playing a "foolish" virgin, I got to experience what it might feel like to not be spiritually ready when the Savior comes again.

Overall, just an incredible experience!