Within a few seconds, the light had faded to pitch black, leaving only apparitions of illumination behind. I found myself holding my breath, revelling in the disorienting lack of vision. I almost giggled with delighted with the sensation that not 15 feet in front of me there was motion, that the theatre seemed to be breathing as the actors slipped with absolute silence into their spots, and simultaneously into their characters. Slowly, a single spotlight rose, and the motionless human frame which it lit came to life.

Ahh, the theatre. I haven't had the time or the inclination to do much of it since I started college, but I'm starting to think that I need to change that. I was never the theatre diva or techie geek in high school, but I had small-to-medium parts in a few musical productions and was one of a cast of six who helped to develop and eventually perform a musical written by my friend Billy. I've done enough theatre to have caught the bug; it's just been lying dormant for a few years.

Friday, Liz and I went to the One Act Play Festival, which was comprised of shows directed by seniors in the Dramatic Arts department. Liz's housemate Jenne was one of the directors, and Emily had a part in her play. Aside from awakening my theatre lust, the performances were really astounding. Not only were the actors very good, but the directing was amazing- some very clever and coherent ideas for sets and blocking were used. It's really too bad that that people who excel in the arts in college have very little chance of being able to utilize that talent to make their living, and their mark on the world. What a great lot of talent that goes unused. If only theatre and music audiences were large enough to support a larger body of artists...

Ah, but I've strayed from my point. I really do miss my time in theatre, bonding with castmates, exploring the back corners of auditoriums, turning into another person, if only for a little while. Auditions are coming up for a spring production, and the posters say that singers, dancers, and actors are needed. It sounds like it may be right up my alley; perhaps I'll give it a whirl...