The School Play

 The School Play

Every year, Ridgewood Elementary put on a big school play, and this year was no different. The announcement went up on the bulletin board: “Auditions for ‘The Magical Forest’ on Friday!”

Liam had always loved acting. At home, he often made up stories and performed them for his family. But when it came to acting in front of a big crowd, he felt nervous. He decided to try out for a small role to avoid too much attention.

When Friday arrived, Liam walked into the auditorium with sweaty palms. Kids were rehearsing lines, singing songs, and practicing their best fairy or wizard voices. When it was Liam’s turn, he read for a small role, but Mr. Grant, the drama teacher, stopped him.

“Liam, you’d be perfect for the lead role,” Mr. Grant said. “Would you like to try it?”

Liam froze. The lead role meant standing in front of the entire school! But something inside him whispered, “You can do this.” He nodded and gave it a try.

Over the next few weeks, Liam worked hard to learn his lines. He stayed after school for rehearsals, practiced with his parents at home, and even memorized the songs. Opening night came quickly, and as Liam stood backstage in his wizard costume, he felt the familiar nerves creeping in.

When it was his turn to go on, Liam took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage. The bright lights blinded him for a moment, but then he saw the smiling faces in the audience. As he delivered his lines, the crowd laughed and clapped. By the end of the play, Liam felt like a star.

Afterward, his friends and family came up to him, cheering. “You were amazing!” they said. Liam realized that taking a chance on himself had been the best decision he’d ever made.