...
written by Laura, July 22, 2008

I love what you said about be in the front of the chorus, I always push myself to the front, because I am short compaired to others and I am scaried I won't be seen, in my last show I felt like such a stage hog! lol... Anyways, I am sort of going through what you are, recently one of my theatre/church friends dumped me (long story and it would of ended eventually), and I was afraid then I wouldn't have anyone to talk to when I went to rehearsals etc because I am shy. but I have decided to make new and better friends and by being more social and friendly with others. So just be friendly and talk to people in your cast and you will feel a lot less lonely. I hope I answered you're question.

...
written by Kelia, July 22, 2008

I agree with what Laura said, you kind of just have to talk to people. I was recently in a show where I was the youngest by five years except for my sister, and I just decided to talk more and I got to be really good friends with some of the adults. It's always hard though, I have problems with that too since I'm shy. Hope that helps and have fun!

...
written by Jbug, July 22, 2008

It can be hard when you don't have everything in common. It is great that you stick to your guns and stay away from the smoking, drugs and drink. It shows that you have strong character - something many performers lack. Look at what happened to Brittney, Heath Ledger and other celebs throughout history who were not so strong and did drugs. Be proud that you don't need these things. However, you should be able to talk to these kids. You just need to put the book down and find folks in the show to talk to. You have to make the effort. If they ask you if you want to do something you don't want to do, just say "no thanks", smile and change the subject. New friends won't come to you. You have to be around them. They will think you are strange if you stay away reading your book and are not friendly to them. They won't change the kind of person you are if you don't let them. Just look at them with smarter eyes. Would you want to be pregnant at your age?? I feel sorry for that girl - she has no idea about raising a child and if she gives it up for adoption, that will be very difficult for her. Though not all of them who do drugs will become addicts, the ones who do will have a life long problem that is hell on earth! Or an early death. The problem is when you are young, you always think that something like that will never happen to you - but you never know. Someone like you as a friend might be a good seed in their life. Chances are they all have problems at home or school or both. You might be a little light of hope that they might have a chance someday. If they can see that you can have fun without the other stuff, it might help them to make better choices about their lives. It doesn't mean that you have to hang out with them - especially if they go outside to do something you don't want to do. You don't have to go with them. But hanging out backstage talking, going to a cast party where there will be parents at the scene, or going out to eat with a bunch of them. You won't get arrested if you are around someone just having a smoke. But when the harder stuff comes out, you can find an excuse to politely leave and do something else. If the others ask why you don't do it, just tell them that you don't like to. Always smile and try to change the subject ASAP and talk about something else. If you are brave, ask them why they do it? Listen and learn, but never give in on what you believe. They will respect you more. Also, never be condemning of their bad choices. Just be concerned and caring, but if you give in, all respect will go away and you become just like them. It won't be a true friendship either. As for your old friends, they are still friends. They are just as busy as you. Sometimes you have to be the one who calls and makes the effort. You'll see. If you get around them again, it will be like old times.