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All of a sudden, I have much more time on my hands.

All of a sudden, I can go home after school and have time to eat a snack and finish my homework at a (somewhat) reasonable hour.

The portion of my brain that used to focus on remembering dance steps and harmonies and lines is now available for other jobs.

My weekends have freed up quite a bit in the absence of rehearsals.

When I auditioned for the spring musical at River Hill in November, I didn't know what I was getting into. Later, I learned that being in the show is not much different from being in a spring sport.

My experience participating in River Hill's production of "Annie Get Your Gun" was demanding, rewarding, eye-opening and unforgettable. Some people may dismiss it as just another high school show, but so much work went into it, work many, if not most, aren't even aware of.

There were countless, selfless adults who help build the sets, coach the actors, make the costumes, create the props, and conduct the orchestra; all of them volunteers. Not to mention our director, who amazed me with what she managed to get us lazy, slacker teenagers to do.

Rehearsals were right after school almost every day, from the first day after winter break in January until March 18. In the preliminary stages, rehearsal would only be for about two or two and a half hours, but later in the game, they'd go for four hours -- if the rehearsal was on a weekend, more.

It was stressful at times to juggle the show, my course load, and the other activities I did outside of school. In the weeks leading up to the show, I had to miss many other activities. Later, however, I learned of other cast members who managed to participate in the show, do spring sports, and even play an instrument or two. Needless to say, I was impressed. None of the actors in the show bragged about their talents or acted as if they were above anyone else. In fact, the people I met were a large part of the reason that I enjoyed my experience so much.

Even so, there were times when I wondered if the show would be worth it in the end, because I missed out on some of the things I truly loved. I couldn't go to my art or dance classes as much, and I missed many Ecology Club meetings at my school. At times, I seriously doubted if I would audition for the show next year.

But on opening night, the thrill of performing took its course.

Sure, the theater was half full and the show wasn't perfect, but it was exhilarating to finally show the world the reason that I couldn't hang out with my friends after school for three months. Putting on a show is such a collaborative effort that you can't help but bond with the people who you perform with, so that made it even more fun.

I was on a high through opening night, partially because I knew that there were still four more shows, still four more opportunities to perform and be someone completely different from myself, in a completely different time.

Each show brought new drama and excitement and new, larger audiences. It was all over far too quickly.

And now, it's a little sad. Rehearsals, though some of them may have been tense, were fun and engaging. I'll miss not seeing the people I performed with every day, even though I also missed seeing my other friends.

Now that the show is over with, I have much more time on my hands, but I'm not quite sure what to do with it.

This absence of rehearsing, of laughing with people while trying to waltz, of singing a harmony and getting it right the first time, of going over steps and lines in my head all through the school day, has cleared up some of the debate about whether or not I should do the show next year.

I'll have to do it, because otherwise, I'd miss it too much.

Sophie Keane is a freshman at River Hill High School. She may be reached via e-mail to mphelan@theviewnewspapers.com.

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