I dedicate this book to the cast of annie jr. thank goodness this didn't happen to us in the cast

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As I heard the waves crash against the rocks outside of our new apartment in California, I realized that today was the day I would start my new school. I was excited to start, but so scared to go to a private school. I was not sure what to expect. Many of these people had known each other their whole lives. Will they welcome someone new from outside of their world? I was there on a scholarship, which means it is very important that I keep my grades up while

participating in after-school activities.

When the first bell rings at eight there is an announcement that all ninth graders are to report to the auditorium for orientation. The principal of the school, Mrs.Kaplan, tells us all about the academic expectations. By looking around the room, I can tell no one is paying any attention at all. They are all sneaking peeks at their phones and fidgeting. When Mrs.Kaplan introduces the musical theatre teacher,

everyone suddenly pays attention. Mrs. Smith is the name of the theatre teacher at St.Peggy’s Catholic Prep School. She starts talking about the high school shows planned for the year.. This seems to interest people because their phones slide back into their pockets. I zoned out for a moment, but I snapped back into reality when there is a drumroll that sounds like far away thunder. When the drum roll ends, Mrs. Smith excitedly declares that the 2016

high school musical will be “The Little Mermaid”, and that auditions will take place the very next day. Being the theatre kid I am, I immediately start brainstorming all of the roles I could possibly play in the show. The rest of the day went by fairly quick with the excitement of new teachers and introducing myself to people...the usual first day of school. I got home, covered my books with brown bag wrapping, watched tv, and fell asleep without dinner. I was so exhausted from the day’s activities, I guess I forgot to eat!

The next morning I woke up with my stomach growling. Maybe skipping dinner wasn't such a good idea … whoops! I got up, got dressed, ate a huge stack of pancakes that my mom made predicting my hunger, and pulled myself on the bus. I was the first person to get on the bus, so I went to the back, pulled out my phone, and started to scroll through my Instagram feed. I thought eventually someone would come sit with me, but no one did. When I got to school, I stopped at my locker to get my books. The girl with the locker next to mine asked if I wanted to go down to the cafeteria with her

“Sure,” I said.

“I don’t recognize you, did you just move here? ”

“Yea from Philadelphia”

“That’s pretty far” she responded, “Do you miss it there?” “ I do but not as much as I expected. It is so pretty here. I love all the palm trees.” I said

“If you ever want someone to sit with at lunch you can always sit with my friends and I. We would love to have you. I have to get going to math now so I can get my seat moved up to the front. This year I want to actually learn something instead of staring at a wall!”

“ Thanks I might just take you up on that offer and good luck with the whole math thing!” I responded giggling a little.

I had english first where we learned we would be reading Flowers for Algernon, then completing an essay on a character of our choice. After english, I had math with a substitute teacher, so we just did a worksheet. Then all ninth and tenth graders had lunch. Once I got my yellow mac and cheese, I started to look for the girl who I was talking to this morning. I finally found her table and sat to introduce myself. The girl from this morning blinked 3 times overly obviously, then they all stood up looking straight ahead. The girl next to her winked and they all walked away. Sitting there

dumbfounded at the groups of girls walking away from me giggling, I couldn't help but tear up. I called my mom and begged her to pick me up. I went to the front desk and waited endlessly, holding back tears. When I finally saw her car come around, I waved a polite goodbye to the teacher at the front desk and bolted inside the car. I sat in silence figuring that my mom would eventually ask a question about why I was so upset. I waited and I choked back all of my tears and went straight up to my room. I got into bed with

my book and read half heartedly. The other half of my mind still thinking about lunch. I suddenly remembered that auditions for The Little Mermaid were happening after school! I got myself together and ran downstairs and had my mom drive me back to school. The girls from lunch were all there, along with what seemed like my whole grade. They called us in one by one to sing and act and took us in groups to dance. I later learned more about that girl from lunch, her name was Julia and the girls with her

were Jilliana, Jordan, Annie and Grace. At the end of auditions the director told us we were all great and the cast list will be out by the end of the week.

Fast forward three days and six hours and there is a group of high schoolers tripping over each other just to get a glimpse at the cast list,. I decide to go in and join the chaos. When I finally pull myself to the front, I see that I am a featured dancer and Ariel's understudy. And who else to be Ariel, but Julia. The one person who will most definitely

use this against me. That night, the whole cast is called to a “business meeting” with our parents. The parents don’t yet know that “business meeting” actually means get all the parents here to sign up for volunteering and let them hear the director's lecture to the cast of the importance of being on time.The next day is the first rehearsal. We learn the ‘Under the Sea’ choreography and song. This is extra difficult task for me because I have to learn two parts; my personal part and my understudy role. Every time it is my turn to practice as Ariel, Julia turns a little red and refuses

to make eye contact with me. Jealousy? Maybe. Anger? Could be. .Scared I will get the role? Yup, that's it! It is not one hundred percent impossible for the role to be given solely to the understudy for anything such as talent, attitude, rehearsal attendance or anything like that. I can’t help but notice Julia does not seem like the type of girl to care too much about anything. As weeks of rehearsals go by, more tensions arise between Julia and I. However, the more it becomes clear she is trying to sabotage me, the

more she sabotages herself. For example when she pointed out that my voice cracked in ‘Part of Your World’, Mrs. Smith warned, “ When you sing the song perfectly you can correct her. Until then, go run lines ‘cause those definitely aren’t perfect ”Julia rolled her eyes crossed her arms and slowly walked away in defeat. After a month of rehearsal and arguing between Julia and I, it is tech week. Julia is in perfect health and it is looking like she will be starring in the show while I sway in the background.

However, we both worked hard on this show and I am still excited to perform. I feel proud of the show that we are presenting. I hope Julia does well in the part. Really, I do! As I’m getting ready to do the shipwreck scene with the whole company, Mrs.Smith comes downstairs to the dressing room searching for me in a panic. “ Julia slipped on a seashell backstage! She hit her head and is going to the hospital!” “So does this mean...” Before I can finish my question, Mrs. Smith practically screams “Yes! You are finishing the show for Julia! Now hurry up, get changed and don't let the nerves get to you, you will be great!”I race to the dressing room and put on the Ariel costume mentally preparing myself for the role. Sarah, the girl playing Sebastian, helps me get the costume and the wig on. I get onstage just in time to not miss my music for ‘Part of their World’ and belt the song without my voice cracking once. After the show I find my parents and immediately get showered in hugs and praise. I was still in shock that after everything I have been through over the course of this show, I ended up the star. It is like something from a fairytale .The school week after the show closed many people who did not talk to me before wanted to be my friend and Jilliana, Jordan, Annie and Grace didn’t talk to Julia anymore. They turned out to actually be really nice girls and we all sit at a lunch table now.

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"The Understudy"

Name: The Understudy
Author: mvenuto

mvenuto

A new student at a private school in California faces challenges of fitting in and dealing with a rival, Julia. She gets the opportunity to shine when she's chosen as the understudy for the lead role in the school musical, 'The Little Mermaid'.

(24 pages)

Privacy level: PUBLIC

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