Last weekend I was at a national jr. theatre festival in Atlanta, Georgia. My group performed 15 minutes from the show Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I was Grandpa Joe. I had been VERY, VERY unhappy with my part. I was so upset when I'd gotten the part because I'd wanted to be a big part in the other show we're doing, The Wizard of Oz. I'd wanted to be the Wicked Witch of the West. But I got stuck with playing the part of an old man. Not only was it embarrassing and disappointing getting that part, it wasn't exactly easy either!
Anyways, in Atlanta they were giving all the different awards out to different groups and individuals. After the 5 or 6 awards for Best Male Performer, it was time for the awards for Best Female Performer. Now, keep in mind that there were somewhere between 1300 and 1500 kids there, and most of them were girls. The lady announcing the awards in the big room where we were all assembled got ready to announce the winners of the award, and I imagined myself getting it. I wasn't expecting it at all, but I couldn't help dreaming about, "What if I got the award? What would it be like?" Well, the lady brought up the microphone and I remember her saying, "The first award for Best Female Performer goes to...Emma Anderson from Youth Theatre Company!"
It was like a dream! All of the kids in my group started cheering and yelling and clapping, and I got up and jogged up the aisle in a daze. I went up the steps to stand on the stage and the other lady there put a medal around my neck. Then I stood between them and someone took a picture of us. I could here my friends and the other performers in my group starting to yell, "Emma! Emma!" I walked backed down the steps on the side of the stage and returned to my group, grinning like an idiot. My friends hugged me and everyone was so happy for me! It was probably one of the greatest moments of my life. My first award as an actress! I hadn't been expecting it at all! It was amazing. Every time I relive it I get the same warm, exuberant feeling. Usually I just wish that I could've gotten an award or the part I wanted or been in a professional show or something. But for once, there wasn't anything that I would change about that moment. Getting that award meant a lot to me, and I'm so grateful to have gotten it. And all of my friends in theatre with me, you deserve this award every bit as much as I do!!!!
