*The SpongeBob Musical*, Lawrence Arts Center
“Perch Perkins", “Mrs. Puff”, “Pearl Krabs”, “Sandy Cheeks”, “Mayor”, and “Karen Plankton”

“Pearl” at the Lawrence Arts Center
Photo by Ann Dean

I made a splash into 2024 with an audition for a laugh-out-loud, colorful show—The SpongeBob Musical at the Lawrence Arts Center. Late February and early March showings bookended my work weeks, so I went from staring at a computer in a cubicle in a basement to belting out a catchy melody and riffs into the theater rafters. Participating in a community theatre show targeted at family audiences lit up my weeks in a way I didn’t even know I missed. Kiddos would ask for pictures and autographs after the show, and one asked me what song I auditioned with (“Before It’s Over” from Dogfight). I couldn’t help but remember awing at community theatre performances in my own hometown.

After SpongeBob, my apartment lease was up which called for planning a move, which led to planning to uproot my entire life. Um, hello again wishing for escapism! Now that moving to Chicago finally gelled—(SpongeBob narrator voice) “six… months… later”—I can finally take the time to return to creative projects which I have missed so, so much. Creative projects fill my cup to help me chug through the less bright and colorful parts of life.

“Theatre people,” here’s what I do to get through when I miss performing. Share what you do when you miss theatre in the comments!

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU MISS THEATRE:

1. See shows with your theatre-loving friends.

After closing Rocky Horror, I Instagram DM’d a theatre friend about plans to see the new Betty Boop musical. ICYMI, I looove Miss Boop, and it was an absolute joy to see a Black Betty Boop star in a musical adaptation of one of America’s most beloved cartoon characters at the end of 2023. Naturally, as with most shows, I cried during it, the glitz, glam, and most importantly heart of the show filling the “I MISS THEATRE”-shaped void inside. Inspired, I ingrained a bit of the cartoon-turned-human mannerisms when performing as Pearl Krabs. Watching theatre regularly will make you a better performer. See Broadway bound shows like Boop! The Musical, shows already on Broadway, national tours, educational theatre, community theatre–all of it! Again, it will only make you a better performer through osmosis of talent. (cue confetti cannons)

“Watching theatre regularly will make you a better performer.”

2. Make a music video.

I shared a cover music video during the run of The SpongeBob Musical. I wouldn’t recommend it! Haha. Between work, rehearsals, planning small and big moves, and trying to find time to record, edit, and promote a music video? Energy = DEPLETED. DYING. DEAD. I’d recommend when not in a show, buuut I wanted to post a love song during the Valentine’s Day season. Luckily, I front-loaded most of the video clips and promotional photos months before, so video production went faster. Either way, I’m so glad this piece of cover art exists as I love, love, love the song “Let Me Love You Like A Woman” with my whole heart. Can someone make a Lana Del Rey musical stat?

3. Study “The Greats.”

Learn about the come up of performers of stage and screen in books. Unprotected, Billy Porter’s memoir, is all about the Kinky Boots star’s come-up–an inspiring read for theatre performers everywhere. Reading about performers whose journeys began on the stage but wound up on a different performing path are interesting as well, like the memoirs of Viola Davis or Britney Spears. Audiobooks are a great way to quickly soak up info like a sponge.

“Learn about the come up of performers of stage and screen in books.”

4. Watch movie musicals and listen to cast albums.

Some folks love them, some folks hate them, but no one can deny that movie musicals bring the joy of musicals to a broader audience by making musicals more accessible. Not everyone has the spare $75+ to spend on a theatre ticket, and that’s just for a seat in the nosebleeds. But that person may can get free access to musicals through Kanopy with a library or a free trial on BroadwayHD trial. Stream The SpongeBob Musical for free with a Paramount+ trial! Listening to cast albums is free on YouTube.

5. Go to immersive outings with friends.

RenFest is a theatre kid’s playground, well, any “kid at heart”’s playground. The costumes, the themed drinks and food, the music, the dancing—basically like living in a show for a bit. Likewise, theme parks, art museums, etc. all provide a bit of escapism that isn’t quite theatre but still adds vibrant color to life when we need it most, when things are feeling greyscale. For some of us, theatre is our “lifeblood,” as Brecht would say. I probs wouldn’t be so dramatic about it—but it’s true!

Before I moved to Chicago, people would as me, “What are you most excited for?” The theatre scene is a huge part of my excitement. Chicago is a great city for young creatives—performers, musicians, artists, the like. To be surrounded by the buzzing energy of creativity already feels amazing not even two weeks in!

**FOR THE LOVE OF PEARL — on my performance in spongebob:**

I had more fun playing a sassy, emotional whale than I imagined. Playing Pearl was a celebration of the hyperfeminine—all things bows and pink. The hyperfeminine is often made out to be negative, perceived as “vain” or feeding into hyper-consumerism or even “anti-feminist” to some. As someone who celebrates the hyperfeminine, it was a joy to embody that. Pearl is the kind of character who was probably asked, “Who are you dressing up for?” or “Why do you always wear makeup?” I’ve heard those questions sneered my direction more times than I could count. It was refreshing to celebrate the feminine in a role. It was refreshing to embody the bigger, the louder, the sparklier, the “hot pinkier”—the better!–in a society that unfortunately loves to insist that all women aspire to be as quiet, modest, and small as possible.

The SpongeBob Musical was so much fun, and I got to perform alongside and get to know a group of talented people! It was a super busy time of year for all of us, but I hope our paths cross in the future soon. I can’t wait to do another show but, until then, I’ll remember a “beautiful Bikini Bottom day!”

*The SpongeBob Musical*, Lawrence Arts Center
Photo by Ann Dean

“In the world renowned (world renowned)
Bikini Bottom, how I love this town (love this town)
Bikini Bottom, when the sun shines down (the sun shines down)
The sun shines down, when the sun shines down
The sun shines down

On a beautiful Bikini Bottom (meow) day
Bikini Bottom day!”

– “Finale: Bikini Bottom Day Reprise” from The SpongeBob Musical