SOS Student Guest Writer: Melissa Arnaud

Photo courtesy of Heather Pretka Arnaud

Arriving at the Temple... So much was going through my mind. I was scared and anxious, but also extremely thrilled and ready. I remember going to see the show "The 39 Steps" on this stage and ever since then I have wanted to perform on this stage, and now I do, and it's a dream come true! Stepping through those doors, not as someone going to see a show , but as a performer for a show, that is the best part. 
Seeing the set for the first time, I almost cried. It was better than I imagined. It was perfect. The first time we rehearsed on the stage I could feel that this show was going to be great. I could tell that everyone had grown into their characters as soon as they stepped on stage. The first time I ran through the show, I can not describe how I felt. It was a beautiful blend of emotional bliss. The first time i saw my costume... This was a big moment for me; seeing my costume come together finished my character. That's what costumes always seem to do, they give more character to the already beautiful character you've created as the final layer, the final touch. 
The first time with the microwave... The "Murder Mart"... The realization S.O.S would soon be over... This is the one sad part about moving to this mystical place, it truly conveys that there is not much time left, there is only days left until this beautiful event is done for the year. I never expected this camp to be such a life changing and amazing experience. I truly feel free to be whatever I want every time I see the glowing faces of the S.O.S family. I can hang up my problems at the door and live worry free, doing what I live the most. I will truly miss waking up every morning to be with some of the most amazing and genuine people in the world. Fancy Friday, pajama day, Rudy being happy all the time, Sierra being so sweet, Alec giving everyone a reason to smile, Mary being a great friend, Hayden and his fist bumps, Olivia and Sara and the stories they share, and so many others... the list is miles long, ask me about anyone; there is something that will be missing from my day. They all contribute to my happiness. 
As tears of every emotion trickle down my face I would like to Thank You, thank you Elephant's Graveyard cast, being so in tune, being such a great ensemble, and for creating the most beautiful story with the way each of you deliver each line. Thank you In Your Eyes cast, for making a school lock down seem awesome with your combined acting stills and angelic singing. Thank you S.O.S. for making my summer perfect. This camp is like nothing else, it stands above all.  I have made some amazing new friends that I want to talk to every day, to stay in touch with them. In this camp... It is definitely worth waking up at 6:00am for. I am so excited for this next week, the last week, to be with my S.O.S. family and to show Tucson how amazing everyone in this program is. 

Day 16

Friday was our last day in the University of Arizona's rehearsal space! To celebrate we held a talent show, and sweet jesus, I've said this before, but I mean everyone is talented. Even our stage manager for In Your Eyes, the amazing/beautiful/totally hipster Mary Smith got in on the action with a rendition of an original song (from her original musical) (which she wrote as a one woman show) (and she melted faces with her guitar) (Mary you're my idol).

It was bittersweet leaving the University. In the passed three weeks, I've made so many memories within those studios, it felt so strange to wake up and not drive to Speedway. However, with the end of that chapter came the most exciting step of Summer On Stage yet: moving rehearsals into the ATC Temple of Music and Art. 

I've seen five shows at the ATC Temple. I don't think words could describe the level of fan-girl excitement I reached as I was given a behind the scenes tour of my new home. I may have drooled, I may have peed, you'll never know for sure. Tomorrow my cast is rehearsing on the stage. On the stage. It's so surreal to me that I'll be performing our show on the same stage that held inspiring work such as The Great Gatsby and Next to Normal.   It's a dream.

No matter how dreamy though, I HAVE to be present this week. Today's rehearsal was our first run through of the show in its entirety. While we made it through with minimal injury, there is still a long two weeks of rigorous work ahead of me and my cast. This show has the potential to be absolutely incredible. This week I promise to be completely and entirely dedicated to living up to that potential and making it a reality. I wouldn't ever want to put anything less than my best on this stage. 

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to fall asleep to some Demi Lovato, courtesy of my best friend and Summer Backstage badass Adrianna Cota.