Cam Smith
@_thecamsmith
Singing, dancing, acting, and having a great time. Those are just some of the many things that Best of Broadway is.
Over the years at Springfield College, I have had the time of my life as a part of this club.
When I walked onto Alden Street in Sept. of my freshman year, I wanted to strictly focus on classes and getting into the groove of the academic rigor that college would bring.
My freshman and sophomore years flew by and I came to realize that it was time for me to crawl out of my dorm room, and really find myself.
I wanted to be comfortable in my own skin.
That is what college is all about. Isn’t it?
In the fall of my junior year, I approached the Best of Broadway (B.O.B.) table at the annual club fair on the Naismith Green here on campus and discovered a group of students smiling and singing.
Just full of life.
I told myself that this was something that I needed to get into as soon as I possibly could.
I did just that.
When I was in high school, the stage was my home away from home. I loved getting up in front of people and singing my heart out because it served as an avenue for me to truly express myself.
I found it harder than most people to fit in. Everyone else looked down on me because I was, “That theater kid.”
“Different.”
“Weird.”
I hated it.
Two p.m. would come allowing me to escape the reality of everyday high school life.
From musicals like “Rent” to “The Music Man,” I felt for once that I was a part of something bigger than just my average self. I was allowed to be so much more than just that typical high school kid who went to class, played sports, and went home.
It was something that I never wanted to give up.
I could be so much more on the stage.
Through theater, it allowed not only me, but every single person around me to connect with one another on a level incomparable to anything else. Friendships were created, bonds that felt nearly invincible were established, and relationships were built to last a lifetime.
When I joined B.O.B., it brought all of those joys back for me. I became so close with everyone and fell in love with acting and performing again.
No matter who you are or what you bring to the table, in a theater group, you are a family.
You stand up in front of that audience after working so hard to put on a successful show and hold hands with your best friends.
They are a part of you. Your brothers and sisters.
Look to your left and to your right.
Smiles, laughter, happiness, and a raw emotion unlike anything you will ever experience in your life.
Now in my senior year, I often think, “What could I have done better? Could I have done more?”
Although I’ve only been in the club for two years, one thing is for certain.
I would not be who I am right here, right now in this moment, if it wasn’t for Best of Broadway.
On Friday, Nov. 22, 2019 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 23 at both 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., make your way to Fuller Arts Center to see the Best of Broadway club perform all of your favorite Broadway numbers. Admission is free. However, donations are appreciated.
We hope to see you there!
Photo Courtesy Cam Smith and Springfield College Marketing & Communications