Personal Narrative Essay

I grew up in a household consumed by sports. At a young age my father drilled things like ESPN, football, and elbow pads into me and my brother’s heads. Both of my brothers were naturally gifted in athletics. I on the other hand, was not. I couldn’t catch a football, run a lap, or shoot a basket to save my life. When seventh grade rolled around I made a deal with my dad that if I got a part in the spring production I could quit sports altogether. That year the play was “Cinderella” and I was nervous because I had never auditioned for anything ever in my life, but there was no way in hell I was going back to neck injuries and smelly jockstraps. I took a deep breath, walked onto the stage and gave it my best shot. The next day I found out that
It wasn’t until opening night when I realized that theatre was something I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life. I remember the exact moment. I had just gotten done delivering my monologue to a full house. I could feel the stage lights beating down on my face and the cold front from the air conditioning system make the hairs on my arms stand straight up. I looked out into the audience and saw a little old lady sitting a few rows from the stage smiling from ear to ear and then I realized the entire audience was smiling. Happiness filled the air. Happiness that I created. It was one of the best feelings in the world that not many get to have. I will forever cherish it. That is the reason why I came to the University of Northern Iowa to pursue theatre so I can continue to make people happy with my craft on a professional level. I am hoping as I continue with this course that I am able to grow as an actor. I essentially want to be pushed out of my comfort zone and experience the parts of the theatre world I wouldn’t have dared tried in high school. I also want to gain better stage presence and learn how to control some of my nervous tics I do while