It's been hard. Putting together a showcase chock-full of differing opinions and overworked seniors isn't the easiest thing in the world. The funny thing is, none of us seniors who participated thought it would be, and we all still jumped at the challenge.

This all began, really, three years ago when Bill Jenkins, now chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Ball State, asked my best friend Cassie Liveris and I to organize the first-ever New York Showcase at this school. Little did we know that three years later we would be among the eager, young, naive, and talented (at least we hope) students embarking on our very own showcase journey.

I left for my showcase trip literally right after I graduated from college. A large group of us went straight from commencement to the airport so we could begin our journey! I began by flying to Los Angeles so I could participate in the L.A. Showcase on Monday. After spending three days in beautiful California, it was off to New York. I arrived on a Wednesday morning, only to go straight from the airport to a technical rehearsal in the heart of Manhattan. We had two performances of our showcase on Thursday, May 13, at the New Dance Group Arts Center, which is located one block from Times Square.

Both showcases were well attended by agents, casting directors, and Ball State alumni. After each performance, receptions were held so we could mingle with everyone who attended. It was great to interact and reminisce with all the alumni from years past who came out to support us. They shared their insights and experiences about moving to New York with those of us who plan on following in their footsteps. 

The showcase consisted of 11 graduating seniors, 10 underclassmen, three faculty members, two New York artisans who did the lights and played the piano, one student videographer, and a partridge in a pear tree (sorry, I had to go there!). Since the fall of 2003 we had all been preparing for this moment. There were late-night rehearsals and last-minute changes, but we all somehow managed to band together and crank out a wonderful showcase. Some people were contacted by prospective agents, some auditioned for and attended Broadway shows, some went on the backstage tour of Thoroughly Modern Millie, some explored the many neighborhoods in New York, and everyone got something valuable out of the experience.

When I look back on the experience, I realize that this whole journey was not only about young actors trying to get their foot in the door, but also about having one last hurrah with people who've been friends for four years. We have watched each other grow as artists and people, we've supported one another, we've argued with one another, but most importantly, we've always been friends. Through all the ups and down, the fights, the rehearsals, the laughter, and the tears, our group of 11 aspiring actors stuck together. The showcase was the perfect capstone and tribute to those enduring friendships. I'll never forget this experience, not because of the possible agents or great Broadway shows, but because of the people with whom I shared it. That's what college is all about. 

Ball State has given me this wonderful opportunity along with many others. It is a college that dedicates itself to helping students grow and challenge themselves. I often wonder what my life would have been like had I chosen to go to a different college. Then I stop myself because I know that no other school could have molded me into the person I am today. It truly has made a difference in my life.