The Corbaley Crew : Just because

I know this isn't my usually monthly blog post. (It is the end of March and I haven't even posted about January yet...) Anyways, I liked this page on facebook that is for a theatre company in San Antonio and it asked the question: "Tell us in the comments section, how you got involved in theatre and the performing arts." Normally I don't answer those types of things. And especially a question like that because it is so deeply personal. However, I felt like I should this time and I did. I feel weird because I was the first one to comment and my post was very long but I am glad I did it. The theatre arts is something that is very close to my heart. It changed my life. I wouldn't be the person I am today without it. It is also a very big part of my life right now. Two weeks ago I had the wonderful privilege of being a theatre teacher intern at a place called the Magik Theatre for their Spring Break Camp! I got paid to inspire and teach children about theatre! In a few weeks I will be starting another job in which I will teach after school theatre classes for elementary school children! I am so excited and I feel so blessed to be able to be starting my dream job so soon! Anyways, for all those who are curious, here is my story on how I found theatre and the performing arts:

I was an extremely shy person growing up. Extremely shy. Talking to other people I didn't know absolutely terrified me. I remember in kindergarten I got hit in the face with a soccer ball really hard but I refused to go to the health room because I was afraid that I might have to talk to someone. I had a few close friends that I did things with but that was about all. I didn't like being shy. I actually hated it. I was always envious of those people who were outgoing; it seemed as if they could do whatever they wanted in life! They were the ones that would go places! I knew being shy was holding me back. I always wanted to be an actress. Something about performing on a stage under lights and having so many eyes looking at me, was interesting to me-absolutely beyond terrifying- but interesting all the same. People used to laugh at me when I told them I wanted to be an actress. I never said anything as they laughed, knowing in my heart of hearts I would one day prove them wrong. In third grade I decided to audition for the school play. It froze my heart with fear just to think about auditioning, but it attracted me like a moth to a flame. I couldn't get it out of my head! When the days of the auditions came I was a nervous wreck. I thought I was going to pass out. But after it was over, and I saw I made the show, everything became worth it. I was a solider in Lewis and Clark and I had no lines but I worked hard. I tried to stay mostly invisible during rehearsals but one day the director pulled me aside and asked if I could give the “please silence your cell phones” speech before each performance. I consider that the first monologue I ever memorized.

I knew I loved the rush of being on stage and the fun of working as a team but it wasn't until junior high and high school that I really considered theatre my passion. I was still numbingly shy, but theatre became my escape. I wasn't Ashley Corbaley anymore when I was on stage, I was someone else entirely. The theatre was where I belonged. Theatre kids became my closest and dearest friends and I still think no one can quite understand me like they do. Thanks to a wonderful theatre teacher in high school, I finally came out of my shell and became the person I am today. She gave me a chance-that quiet girl who never spoke except to say her lines-a chance. She challenged me with roles I never thought I could conquer. She believed in me and helped give me the confidence I needed to keep going. As I grew older, I realized I didn’t want to be in the movies or on Broadway. I just wanted to always hold theatre close to my heart and to help someone else maybe discover the wonderful world of theatre. I wanted to teach and inspire. Theatre changed my life. It helped me in so many ways that I don’t even know where to begin. My dream is to spend the rest of my life giving back to theatre for everything that it taught me. If I can inspire just one person then everything would be worth it.

Myself as the Duchess in my Junior High School Play "Alice in Discoland"

My, at the time future Maid of Honor, and myself in Acting Ensemble in High School. This picture was from our last Improv Shows we put on for the whole school and community.