Have I ever mentioned that my first love as a writer was for poetry?
Somewhere around my year in fifth grade, I had a teacher that had us crafting poems every six weeks based on specific styles.
We covered everything from sonnets and haikus to free form poetry and different rhyming techniques.
When I first heard about Community Actors of South Texas’ (CAST) showcasing poetry and staged readings during their “Premiere Night” back in January – I had a surge of excitement.
But, by the time it came for audition applications and I read the stipulations, I could not bring myself to apply online.
My poetry has always been through either first-hand observation or personal introspection and therefore not something I’d be comfortable reading out loud to an audience.
Even when I was told that I could submit poetry to be read by someone else – I froze.
Honestly, I still have a bit of residual stage fright and anxiety leftover from my years in choir.
Still, I wanted to support CAST and those other brave souls who had the courage and strong-armed my best friend into joining me.
Out of more than a dozen performers there were poems famously penned by other artists, personal anecdote readings, snippets from other artistic productions, and personal poems.
It was great to see so many locals in the spotlight showcasing something they loved or were proud of!
Of course that doesn’t mean I’ll be able to do anything similar if CAST brings the event back next year.
But, who knows, I have a whole year to get comfortable with the idea just in case.
Speaking of CAST, I’m excited for the troupe’s next production – “Driving Miss Daisy” directed by local artist Zeinab Ghais.
I’ve known Zeinab for several years and have had the pleasure of serving as assistant director for a past production so I know this is going to be awesome.
Tickets for Driving Miss Daisy officially go on sale Thursday, April 10, for the May 2-4 and 8-10 shows kicking off at 7:30 p.m. and are $20 per adult and $10 per student with a valid ID.
It’s worth noting that CAST auditions for the “Noises Off” comedy directed by Darve Smith are also coming up.
I’ve already cheated and asked Darve about this production and he’s excited for it and to keep audiences laughing the night away.
Open auditions are from 2-3 p.m. Sunday, May 11, and 6-7 p.m. Monday, May 12, while the production is slated for the weekends of Aug. 1-3 and 7-9.
Audition interest forms are available online at baycitycast.com/auditions.
This year also sees the return of CAST’s “Summer Student Workshop” with Gena Lea Smith and Victoria Mitchell.
They’ll be directing kids from ages 8-18 in “Camp Rock” and Disney’s “Winnie the Pooh Kids” editions.
Students ages 8-12 will perform Winnie the Pooh and those aged 13-18 will be in Camp Rock – with both shows having performances June 20-22.
As always, I’m thrilled to see local talent grace center stage and am already looking forward to May and June!
Hopefully those talented individuals will become regular CAST fixtures.
