STAGESTRUCK SPOTLIGHT (Short story)

1 (STAGESTRUCK SPOTLIGHT)

Winning.

There was mixed feelings for that. Sure, excitement and happiness knowing you were the best, but were you? A hypothetical scene:

Your friends and you were participating for a theater role. Both of you wanted one certain role: the lead. Like everyone else, but you guys were the best of the best. And you both, really, really, loved that character. Though, as the list of roles and actors show up in the high school hallway. You find out, you won! You got the role you dreamed of. But... your friend dreamed of that too, didn't they? So, now they're upset, jealous, and unfortunately only got the role of a side character. They slowly drift off and ghost you. You know they don't hate you, but they're just, annoyed.

The scene is true.

Hey, name's Julian Moore. My friends call me Juli or used to call me that. It's annoying, how each year when we both participate in the same play, she always gets so mad when I get the role she wants. Last year, it happened too, we were auditioning for another school play, but she hadn't even gotten in.

It happened again this year, one of the original plays our school, RedWalk, was hosting auditions a week or two ago. It was about some guy as the main character, but the directors were thinking about choosing a girl as the lead, instead of a boy. They were flexible and as long as someone, any gender, managed to portray the MC good enough, they would get the role.

I was the one who got that, lucky enough.

I was almost in tie with this other student, Dakota Ali. They were newer to the theater club, but surprisingly, they fit in instantly. And I can't deny, they're really good at their acting. I always knew they were a somewhat popular and reputational kid before theater, but now, it was like they were the royalty of the school. And it was even better with their humble and down to earth personality.

When they found out I had gotten the lead role they wanted, they gave me a high five and a genuine smile. Not those smiles that your friends give to you when their disappointed in themselves. But an actual, genuine smile.

"Eh, I don't mind being the side character. At least they're a main one!" Dakota had said with a grin. And honestly, I was feeling excited for that role now, even after my best-friend, Pam, had gotten a little envious.

Pam isn't a rude person, she is kind, beautiful, and easily likeable. Her pride however can end up getting a little too high off, especially after auditions. When it was minor roles, like side characters that she wanted (and didn't get) she wasn't too mad. At least not for long. However, when it comes to lead roles. That's a different story.

I remember once, a couple of years ago when we first started high school. We both were so anticipated to join theater. The first year of plays we had a play for the Middletown. Never watched it never heard it. But Pam, she really liked the movie. So, you can tell how she reacted when I was the one that got a lead role, and she got a supporting side character.

Maybe it all leads to how her acting skills are. But when I tell you she is an awesome actress, I mean it. When she gets up on stage it's like she is her character. Despite her usually playing white characters as an Asian, she literally feels like the character. Her emotions and speech leaves you star struck. So, it is confusing when she doesn't get a bigger role. As nice as possible, I suppose she plays better as side characters.

I can say that I as well, am a good actor. I'm not Hollywood worthy, but I am good on stage. Maybe I just have some way of manipulating people to give me the roles. I don't, but maybe it's the way I look.