The cries and yowls of chaos; the couch, thick with peanut butter; children leaping on top of one another in fits of competitive tackling; girls gingerly applying lipstick; boys in battles of comedic wit... There is never an empty moment in NEYT. Nor a quiet moment. Nor a dull moment. If you think the shows take place on the stage alone, you are sorely mistaken, my friend. Just stepping into the Green Room, one can be certain that a spectacle awaits.

Although I had been acting and clowning in various forms since I was around three, I didn't stumble upon this bubble of madness until my freshman year in  high school. Many of my friends were involved, and I wanted in. I recall being terrified to audition. I was convinced that NEYT was an exclusive club, and I would never be included, starting so late. This, of course, was quite false. I was cast in the first play I auditioned for, Harvey, and although I played a small role, I was ecstatic. From then on, NEYT was my home. Next came the Best of Broadway review, Oliver!, A Winters Tale, Guys and Dolls, and most recently, It's a Wonderful Life. Out of these shows, I most loved playing Bet in Oliver! and Perdita in A Winters Tale. Meanwhile, I took classes and attended workshops, immersing myself in the theatre as much as I could. Acting is a brilliant invention, indeed. Now I can play dress up and make believe without receiving any odd glances!

New England Youth Theatre is an amazing gift to the youth of this area. Loving friends and mentors, brilliant teachers and directors, high-tech facilities, beautiful costumes, and amazing opportunities for techies, actors, and costumer's alike, this theater is the perfect home for any young artist. NEYT has granted me wonderful friends and countless memories. Saying goodbye at the end of this summer, when I leave for college, will be a difficult task.