I have been acting for the better part of eight years. I began at a small company where most of us had no idea how to act or sing but then, about two years ago, I switched to Wolf PAC. My first audition was for Suessical, and to be honest, I was pretty intimidated. Everyone was already friends, and so incredibly talented. But also unbelievably nice - they made me feel welcome right from the start.

My experience only got better from there, and as I spent more time at Wolf PAC I began to feel like I belonged. I bonded with everyone in my casts, whether they were a lead or an ensemble role, and I even got close with directors I didn’t even have, simply because they were the one to do my hair. 

Since I was relatively new, I only had smaller roles but I had been happy with them. Wolf PAC helped me not care about what part I played. As long as I could be a part of this community I was happy. 

Then I auditioned for Charlotte’s Web. I did think that callbacks went well, at least I hoped they had, but I didn’t want to think that I would get Charlotte, because I didn’t want to get my hopes up. Then the cast list was released.

The story of how I found out I got Charlotte is a good example of what an awesome environment Wolf PAC is. 

There is a girl who has been at Wolf PAC for a while, and we both go to the same school. During the process of callbacks, we texted a bit. The usual small talk, “break a leg”, “hope you do well”, “you were so good” the usual overwhelming support that is what makes Wolf PAC so special. The day after callbacks she texts me during school. “Congratulations. I’m so proud of you!” My heart stopped momentarily. Maybe I just got a secondary role. Maybe she’s proud because now I’ll have more than a handful of speaking lines. 

I battled against poor cell-phone service as I pulled up the cast list. I stared at it for a good amount of time before it set in. There was my name at the top of the list. I had actually gotten a lead. I was Charlotte. 

Once the shock wore off, anxiety set in. It was a lot of lines and would require a lot of work. I would be working with people who had been leads before in other shows, people I had looked up to. I would be needed for a lot of rehearsals and I wasn’t sure how well my schedule would hold up. Besides, I had become content with ensemble roles.

As it turned out, I shouldn’t have worried. Everyone in my cast is quirky, and weird, and amazingly talented. Every time I walk into Wolf PAC I have to smile because I just love it here. The two hours a day twice a week is beginning to feel like not enough. Even if I’m not in the scene we’re rehearsing I don’t feel bored. Whether I’m watching others work or working myself it’s a wonderful process, bringing a show to life.

Even after being in just three shows, Wolf PAC has become so special to me. It’s a place that makes me feel safe and happy. A place that helped me through hard times in my life. A place that makes me feel like I belong. A place that makes me smile whenever I think about it. A place that’s less of a place, and more of a home.