I have been an actress at the Little Theatre of NSB since 1987. I was a young, fit, energetic woman when I made my debut on this stage.
I have been in numerous plays throughout the years, playing lead roles and memorizing tons of lines with little effort.
As the years go by, I find acting roles for my age group become more challenging. I am sure it doesn’t help that I am in denial, most of the time, of what that age is.
This 2020 actress now takes way more time to memorize lines. I used to write a line or two on my hand, so I could glance down and see it if I forgot. Now I need “cheaters” so I can see what and where I wrote it in the first place.
Before I step on stage, I pause and breathe in all the wonderful smells and memories of the old theatre. I pray that my lines come into my mind and out of my mouth at the right times. I have always silently thanked everyone looking down on me from heaven, the support of my family, and a talented cast and crew. Now, I also thank the people who invented Spanx and energy drinks.
Aging on stage is a process of personal growth. An ongoing journey. Hard work. I am trying now to remember not only my lines, but other things as well. Holding my head up to eliminate a second chin, and to pee before I put on my costume and body microphone are just a few items on my to-dos list for every show.
I find my attention span shrinking. If I have too much time in between my lines, my mind starts to wander. What am I making for dinner? Did I put the laundry in the dryer? Then I am brought back to the show with that deafening silence and cast members looking my way. Crap. I must work on my focusing skills.
On the other hand, one of the most wonderful things that can only happen to an aging actress or actor is a lifetime of experiences to draw from. Younger performers can’t deliver the whole package yet. Their lives and experiences have just begun.
This month, the Tennessee Williams production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” will be playing in our town April 17 – 26 at The Little Theatre. I auditioned for a role that I knew I was probably too old for, but I had the life experiences. The character is a wife, mother, sister-in-law and scheming witch. I just had to channel my old Aunt Betty and the role of “Sister Woman” was mine. Don’t miss the show! Visit NSBPlayers.org for tickets and showtimes.
To read more about the upcoming performance of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” click here.
