[Sophia M.]

Front Porch Forum: "Is it silly to audition for community theater if it’s something I’ve always wanted to try?" (09/16/2025)​

A lifetime behind the curtain—but is it time to step into the spotlight? Image source: Pexels

Pull up a seat, GrayViners! “Late Bloomer With Stage Dreams” has carried a secret wish for decades—to finally step onto a stage. At 73, she’s torn between fear and hope as her local community play auditions draw near. Is it too late to chase a dream, or is this the perfect moment to say yes?

Hello all,

All my life, I’ve quietly dreamed of standing on a stage, hearing my voice fill a room, stepping into someone else’s story if only for a scene. I used to watch old musicals on television, mouthing the words along with Judy Garland and imagining the hush of a waiting audience. But life swept me along a different path. I raised kids, worked double shifts, and ironed out everyone else’s dreams while mine waited in the wings.

Now here I am at 73, recently widowed, with more time on my hands than I know what to do with. Our local community center is holding open auditions for a play next month. It’s not a big production, just a few scenes in a modest little space, but the thought of trying out has lit something in me I haven’t felt in decades.

Still, I can’t help but wonder if I’ve missed the moment. What if I forget my lines? What if the younger actors look at me like I’m in the wrong place? Part of me feels ridiculous, and yet another part of me is desperate to know what it feels like to finally say yes to myself.

Is it foolish to want this now? Or could this be the beginning of something I never thought I’d get to do?

Waiting in the wings,
Late Bloomer With Stage Dreams

What do you think, GrayViners? Have you ever taken a leap later in life, or said yes to something you thought had passed you by? Was it worth the nerves? Share your wisdom and encouragement below. And if you’ve got a dream waiting in the wings, start a conversation here.