“If I can’t, then I must.”

Photo taken and permission given by Laurie Rogers

I felt it instantly as I read the email for the first time; the familiar pull of hesitation and the twinge of nervousness at the unknown.  I looked a second time at the email in which an emerging, young director had asked me to audition for the lead in his movie.  I had never done an audition for film before and for a moment I took pause.  The minute I did that, I laughed out loud and said to myself, “Well you have to do it now.”

When presented with an opportunity or an experience that makes me a little scared or a little nervous, I feel compelled to move forward with it.   I’m reminded of my role in The Light in the Piazza, which was an incredible challenge for me but one that lead to major growth as a performer.  Some of the most rewarding experiences have happened when I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone to discover new abilities and strengths that I never knew I had.  Forge without fear!