The Best Part of Every Opening Number

The music swells. The curtain begins to open. And for just a few seconds, the audience catches a glimpse of a once-in-a-lifetime moment -- and the musical has barely started!

For many of our camp actors in The Jungle Book KIDS, stepping on stage last Saturday meant performing for a live audience for the very first time.

In just ten mornings of rehearsal, they learned songs, memorized scenes, and worked together to bring a story to life. Then they joined 39 other first- through sixth-graders on stage to perform for hundreds of audience members.

Like always, backstage before a performance is full of energy.

Costumes are being zipped and buttoned (and animal ear headbands put on), props get one last check (the tiger puppet's leg needed a last-minute repair), and someone is almost always looking for a missing shoe (this time, it was in their backpack).

The actors take one final sip of water, whisper words of encouragement to one another, or sneak one last glance at their script. Then our incredible summer stage manager, Ms. Liz, calls, "Places," and suddenly everyone knows exactly where they need to be.

It's busy. It's exciting. It's usually a little loud.

Then everything grows quiet.

I grab my microphone and head on stage for opening announcements. 

While I've had plenty of practice welcoming audiences, pointing out emergency exits, and sharing BRYT's mission, my heart still beats a little faster knowing that dozens of actors, technicians, staff, and volunteers are waiting backstage for the big moment.

Then I step backstage and Ms. Julia (a fantastic director and instructor) hits play on the first music cue for the show.

For just a few seconds before the curtain rises, there's a peaceful pause. Actors smooth their costumes, take a deep breath, squeeze a castmate’s hand, or quietly wish one another good luck. 

And then the curtain starts to move.

For many of our newest performers, this is the first time they've ever stood in front of a live audience.

Whether you're six years old or sixty, that's a big moment—and it takes my breath away every time.

What makes that first curtain so unforgettable isn't the costumes, the brightness of the lights, the first notes of the first song being played, or even all the hard work that led to opening day. 

For me now, it's watching the journey each student takes in just a matter of seconds. You can see it in their face as they think…

The show is really happening.

Wow, there are a lot of people out there.

I'm about to sing and dance.

I'm doing it.

They're cheering.

They're cheering... for me.

I can do this.

In the blink of an eye, they've discovered that they're capable of more than they thought possible.

Every confident performer you've seen on the BRYT stage has had a first-curtain moment. Every actor who now sings boldly, speaks confidently, or steps comfortably into a new role once wondered if they were brave enough to simply walk on stage.

Long before opening night, our actors are learning so much more than songs, choreography, and lines. They're learning how to communicate clearly, work as part of a team, solve problems creatively, encourage one another, and keep going even when something doesn't go exactly as planned. They celebrate each other's successes and discover that mistakes aren't failures—they're simply part of learning.

Those are lessons that stay with them long after the final curtain falls.

Whether your child dreams of starring in a musical or is simply looking for a place to grow in confidence, creativity, and community, we'd love to welcome them this school year.

Someday soon, your child might be standing backstage as the overture begins, taking one last deep breath before the curtain rises. And when it does, they'll discover what hundreds of BRYT actors already know: I can do this.

Fall enrollment is now open, and we can't wait to welcome the next group of BRYT performers. We're also excited to announce our 2026–2027 season soon, and we hope to see your family either in the studio or in the audience this year!

See y'all soon, Olivia Parker '22 Executive Director Brazos River Youth Theatre