A Brief "Sportz!" Reflection

Freshman year me (Aww, so cute [and fat]!)

As many of you already know, I am currently involved in Glenbrook North's production of "Comedy Sportz!" performing this Wednesday through Saturday in the CPA. As a means of remembrance and self-reflection, I always try to contemplate how each show I am involved in has affected my life or the lives of others. Never, however, have I performed the same show twice on two different occasions. This time is different; I was also involved in the 2009 production of "Comedy Sportz!" as a freshman, and performing the same show twice is unique to say the least.

I'll first start by mentioning that which has remained continuous since my freshman year. The show is still being performed at the same times on the same stage in the same auditorium as my freshman year, and my friends Ellie and Ed have been involved in both productions of the show as well. The show still revolves around improvisation, so every showing is technically different, though the set-up is almost identical to what it was three years ago. Essentially the foundation of the show has remained constant, whereas numerous differences lie in the shows inner workings.

Me reffing the show
Yay!

To start, I'm no longer a frightened, shy freshman. I am the captain of my Comedy Sportz team (cleverly named the "Matzo Ballers" due to our Jewish heritage), and I tend to actively involve myself in almost every scene. In almost total opposition to my deer-in-the-headlights-like demeanor three years ago, I am now one of the more experienced members of the show, and I have tried to establish myself as a leader as a result.

What's more insightful to me (and more blog-worthy in my opinion) has been the change I have witnessed in myself. Change is a slow process, and I have often criticized myself for not growing enough as a performer or as a person throughout my high school career. Although performance can be liberating, I have found that it can also foster low self-esteem. I have struggled with this issue throughout my performing career, but this production of "Comedy Sportz!" has demonstrated to me how important it is to look back upon the past with positivity and lack of regret.

"Comedy Sportz!" this time around has acted as a window to the past. I'm not one of the best players in the show by any means, but I am still proud of the growth I have seen in myself over the past three years. I have learned that it often takes a repetition of the past to propel oneself into the future. Our wonderful theatre director Ms. Robinson has always told us to "Trust the process"—to trust that it will all work out in the end. "Comedy Sportz!" has demonstrated to me how important that advice truly is; if we trust our own potential, positive change is inevitable.