September 27, 2014
My Arianna was cast in Dr. Dolittle at our local community college. She auditioned, she got a call back. She got disappointed with a duel part casting as a little monkey and a circus ball walker (yes she can walk on a ball), but no speaking lines. So, she went the first week a bit sad, and I was sad for her. As the days ticked along, and the rehearsals became longer I thought she would start complaining about the amount of time she was giving to this production. I watched and waited, and saw her grow more content and happier. She went with an enthused attitude about the show. Then I got it. My ten year old was happily socializing with this cast of 23 people whose ages range from 8-42. They treated her with the utmost respect, and made her feel her role was as important as their roles, for actors know the show is only amazing with everyone. She was connecting to a college age boy, who wants to be a therapy dog trainer, just like she does. They chatted for hours over this month, and he even brought his puppy in to meet her. She meet a 17 year old violin player who offered to come play next to her harp for fun. She meet a group of 12 and 13 year old girls who were planning to petition their school to change a rule they felt was unethical. She taught a younger castmate how to draw using vanishing points. She became part of conversations that valued her opinions. She had to find her way through stressed cast members learning their lines, and eccentric actresses trying to steal the spotlight. She had to communicate clearly with the costume crew about her needs to be barefoot on the ball, and how clothes made her feel. She was treated by the director as a member of the group, and he expected her to keep track of her script, her props, her costumes all on her own. She felt important. Arianna had the ultimate socialization experience, that never ever would have been replicated in a forced setting. It was beautiful.
