I have been performing for most of my life and there are times that I have said that I will only accept certain roles, but when I didn't get that part, I have chosen to stay in the production. On those occasions, I have discovered that that was one of the best theatrical experiences I have ever had. I performed in "Blood Brothers" as Ms.Jones and in the ensemble when I was in college. I had previously said that I would only accept Mrs.Lyons and I knew it was down to me and my friend for the part. While we were in the green room waiting during callbacks, a feeling came over me. I knew that this show was going to be an unbeliveable experience onstage and off. When I received the call from the stage manager, asking me if I would be Ms.Jones, I said yes immediately. I was so happy I did. The cast was so cohesive,so close and the director was brilliant. What made it even more poignant, that professor learned he had leukemia not long after we closed and passed away a year later. The thing is, I didn't even like the show of "Blood Brothers" but now it ranks as one of my favorite times in theater.

Has anyone else experienced something like this? Where you feel the experience is going to be bigger than yourself or what you expect? Instead of saying "no sorry. I didn't get my way." saying" I'll take the experience" instead.

I teach 200 children and I didn't get the part I wanted once in a show and I looked at my director, whom I teach with, and I told her "How can I tell the children that there are no small parts, everyone is important,front row to back row, and that the company is just as important as the lead and then refuse to accept smaller roles myself?"

just some thoughts from a newbie.

Thanks!