Student Blog: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Opening Up

There’s something so special yet intimidating about attending events related to your dreams. There's something thrilling about being in rooms you’ve always dreamed of being in, but there can be a lot of imposter syndrome that comes along with it. I recently got the chance to go to Schmigadoon on Broadway’s opening night, and I was on cloud 9 about being there. However, I often felt like I didn’t belong in a room full of such important people and minds. 

I’ve wanted to be in the theatre industry professionally for years, and I’ve always loved seeing photos from red carpets online. There has always been something so special about seeing people post photos of playbills with the shiny opening seal, knowing that a new piece of work has made it to the biggest stage of them all, and many people’s dreams have been realized. I’ve always loved not just the dresses, but the smiles everyone involved in each project wears so proudly, and how people are celebrated for their work on this special night. It has always been a dream of mine to make it to one of these, and hopefully one day be involved in a show that celebrates a Broadway opening. 

When the opportunity came up to see one of my favorite new musicals open, I could not have been more thrilled, but as I arrived, I was hit with a surprising level of fear. I love this industry so deeply that I was scared I was too much or that people who I’ve admired my whole life would think I was dressed the wrong way or too excited. I stepped into the theatre, looked around, saw performers and creatives I had always looked up to, and began to question whether I deserved to be in the room with all these incredible individuals. 

Imposter syndrome is very real, especially in college, where there is so much talent all around. However, the night reminded me to stay present and realize that this is the room I’ve always dreamed of being in and the industry I’ve always wanted to work in. Throughout the night, I tried to ground myself in my passion and realize that this is the industry I love more than anything, and would do anything to be a part of. I tried to keep in mind, as hard as it was, that every single person in that room had to start somewhere, and I was not less deserving than anyone else; I just haven’t gotten there yet. I tried to remind myself that I have so much time and so many more opportunities like this will come along as I grow my skills and further my career. As intimidating as it might be to see so many of my idols and industry names, they feel the same way. 

There is something about theatre that is so connected in a way no other industry is. There is a shared love for the art form and its creation, a shared adoration for the craft's ephemeral nature. There is a shared need to cheer each other on and uplift each other, which is why so many people love theatre so much, and that is what truly was the shining light of what makes this community so special.

Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t easy and isn’t something that I myself have figured out just yet, but what I do know is that the theatre community is there to uplift and celebrate each other, and there is something so special about all being in one room to cheer on people making their dreams come true. To keep being in important rooms, it is important to try to open up and get out of your comfort zone and your head. Being awkward and putting yourself in such situations is how you grow and connect with others, making special memories on the way.