In The Spotlight 
                             by Ed Eliason 

Tonight, as I step into the spotlight, all that I have worked so hard to 
prepare is there for all the world to see. There are no more rehearsals, no 
re-takes, no over-dubs, and no second chance to get it right. There is no 
retreating and nowhere to hide. We are live, and we are on, right now! 

The audience comes with certain expectations, as do I. My greatest fear is 
that I will not measure up. But my greatest strength is that I know I am 
prepared. This job I have chosen for myself is far different from most. 
How many people do their work in the glare of the spotlight, with a thousand 
critics watching every little move, and hanging on every little word? And 
how many people know immediately after finishing their work, how well it was 
appreciated. In the spotlight, you will know. 

In the spotlight, I am judged not by who I really am, but by what I am 
portraying. Those who are watching don't know what kind of person I am, 
only what talents I am sharing with them at that moment. Their only 
interest is in being entertained. And that, of course, is why we are all here. 

In the spotlight, it doesn't matter how good I was yesterday, or how good I 
will be tomorrow. All that matters is right now - this performance, this 
audience. When it is over, it is the audience - not me - who will decide how 
well I did. They will leave with a memory - an image of what they have seen 
and heard. And they will share that image with others, who hopefully will 
come and see it for themselves. 

The audience doesn't have a clue what price I have paid, and what sacrifices 
I have made, in order to be in the spotlight. They can't possibly understand, 
because it looks so easy. Many of them would love to be where I am, but 
most would not be willing to pay the price. 

To all my fellow performers, my wish is that you fall in love with the 
spotlight. Embrace it, bask in it, and always give it your very best effort. 
Because in the end, this is the place where you'll receive your greatest 
reward - the sweet sound of applause. Now get out there and "break a leg"! 


             [This work is copyright 2004 by Ed Eliason.]