Ali Baba & the Bongo Bandits

The role

I played Jib and was part of the Bongo Bandit Crew.

Jib is one of the citizens that live in old Baghdad. They don't like the Vizier, the Sultana's advisor and the main villain in the story, because even though they protest a lot about the bandits stealing their stuff, he does not do anything to help with that problem. And the citizens like making fun of the Vizier.

The Bongo Bandits are the bandits that steal from the citizens who live in Baghdad. They stash their treasure in the secret Cave of Wonders, and their leader is Balthazar Bongo.

The audition

My goal was to be Princess Satsuma, so I practiced a lot at home. But on the day of auditions, I got really nervous and I gave up on applying for Princess Satsuma because my voice trembled, and I thought, “If I can't do this in front of three teachers, how can I do this in front of a whole crowd?”

So when I saw the cast list and my name on the character of Jib, I was kind of happy because I got a speaking role that only half of the cast could have, but also kind of sad that I did not get the other character I wanted.

Two months of rehearsal

For our first meeting in the Lyso center, we just sat in our seats and read each person's part in the script for scene 1. And we blocked on the stage — which means figuring out where to stand on the stage, and what routes we will take according to our lines. At first, I was worried that none of the people could memorize their lines or positions on the stage, because we made so many mistakes and sometimes just forgot what we were supposed to do.

We did the scenes one by one, so there were some scenes I couldn't see during the practice, but when I saw the whole show come together, it was so magical! Because I didn't know how the scene I was in would connect to another to complete the story.

After two months of practice, I realized that I didn't need to worry. On our last rehearsal before the show, everybody already memorized their lines, and we did a run through of the whole show without needing any reminders from the director.

I also learned that every role is important. If there were only main characters without ensembles and dancing crews, it would be boring, because there would be no one to sing or dance along with, and no reactions for the bad guy's lines! That would make the show feel very empty and bland.

I agree with Mr. Jason, our choreographer, on the importance of the process, not just the outcome. He once told us:

When you finish the show, you'll realize what really matters is the process of preparing for the show, not the actual performance days. Because the performance is just 2 days, but you spent 2 months preparing and trying your best to make this happen.

Showtime

When we had our first show, I was really nervous because there was a very big crowd of people looking at us. I thought that all the practices we had were not very useful. But when we stood on stage, I could remember everything we used to do in rehearsals, and it was much more fun because we had people clapping and laughing for us. It felt like they were cheering us on! So on our next show, instead of feeling nervous, I felt so excited to show the audience what we worked on for so long.

My favorite part of the show was when I said “Carpets are so old fashioned!” because that was the one moment I actually stood so close to the audience. I felt like a super star when they laughed at my line.

Speak loud and proud

Performing on stage is very different from how you would usually speak and move in your daily life. So I think in order to be good on stage you need to:

1. 1Acknowledge the audience — instead of just talking to the character beside you, you need to open up to the audience. That way, they can see your expressions and hear you more clearly.
2. 2Use bigger gestures and project your voice — if you make small gestures, the audience might not see you doing them, so you need to make bigger gestures. It might be a little uncomfortable at first, but you will get used to it. Also, project your voice: even if you have a mic on, if you speak louder and clearer, the audience can understand your line better even from far away!
3. 3Try to be in the shoes of the character. How would the character feel or think right now? If you don't, you might sound emotionless and not focused! So try to think about it (it also helps to practice in the mirror — that way, you can also see your expression).
4. 4Stay focused and confident all the time — if you are not focused, you might miss your line (that is embarrassing)! So be focused. Also be confident, because you can do better if you are confident.

Speak loud and proud!

Spontaneous leadership

I asked our team to practice during recess, and we practiced the scenes we did that day. That way, we would be more prepared and less nervous when showtime arrived.

And on the day of the teaser, everyone was nervous because it was the first time we had a big audience. Even I was. So I told them we would do fine, and we cheered, and that led to us being confident and doing our best that day. Turns out the teaser was so successful that the second day's musical tickets were sold out!

The Great Citizen

I helped my friend do a costume change, because we were both Bongo Bandit Crew and Citizens, so we had to put our cloak and belt on and off during blackouts. I covered her up so the audience couldn't see her.

I also was a time checker during the show. When we missed our cue, I reminded the crew to come downstage. Thankfully we still nailed it — the audience didn't notice that we were late, because we managed to get it just in time.

The biggest lesson

I learned that teamwork really mattered, and to not give up on my dreams just because I doubt myself.

Before the musical, I didn't bond too much or even try to talk to boys, but now I realize that we are the same — that we just need a little support from each other. Next time, I won't judge anyone, and I'll be the person that anybody could talk to when things are hard (btw, I want to be a therapist when I grow up).

I also want to be really good at band (flute), and just overall be a good leader, classmate, and friend to everyone.

And I also really regret not applying for Princess Satsuma. At that time, I thought I could not memorize all my lines and I couldn't do everything on stage. And I should have just done it! It's a lesson to me now, and I will never, ever think I am not enough for anything.

So next year in 5th grade, I want to apply to be Historian or President of elementary school.

Next time, I want to be brave, know what I want, and persevere to get what I want. I will not give up.