Applause for All

Two minutes until showtime is always a mix of excitement and butterflies—even for an in-studio showcase. Costumes get one last adjustment, lines are whispered, and hearts start to race.

Right before our Homeschool Musical Theatre Program showcase began this past December, I overheard this interaction:

A fourth grader quietly shared that he was nervous about going onstage. A seventh grader—who had performed in end-of-semester showcases before—smiled, took a deep breath, and said:

“Hey man, it’s okay to be nervous. We practiced a lot, so we’re ready. We got this. The audience is full of people who love us, so they’ll clap no matter what. And if no one else does, my mom will clap for you. She claps for everyone.”

In that exchange, I saw so many of the traits we value and instill at BRYT in action.

I saw a seventh grader work through his own jitters to lift someone else up and become a leader. I saw a fourth grader name his nerves, take a breath, and step bravely into the moment.

When his class performed, he remembered every line, even though his hands were shaking. The smile after his last line said it all—he did it! His classmates did it! And they had done it together. 

While theatre can sometimes feel competitive, at its heart it’s a team sport.

Young actors notice who has the most lines, who gets a solo, or who stands front and center in the big dance numbers. And they’re not wrong—preparation, commitment, and hard work matter.

But how we work together matters just as much.

At BRYT, we remind students that every role—onstage and off—helps tell the story. No one stands alone under the lights. The strongest shows are built on trust, collaboration, and cheering each other on.

We believe being a great cast mate is just as important as being a great performer. The kindness, empathy, and encouragement shown backstage matter as much as what happens onstage.

We’re grateful for the families who model these values. The loved ones who cheer for every child help create an environment where young performers feel safe, supported, and brave enough to try something new.

Because at the end of the day, every young actor deserves applause—and an extra cheer from someone’s mom.

Until next time, 

Olivia

Director, 

Brazos River Youth Theatre