Celebrating the Magic of Theater with GetSetUp Community

he theater has been a cornerstone of cultural expression and human creativity since its inception in ancient Greece. It began as a festival celebration in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine and festivity, where playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides showcased their timeless tragedies. This art form has evolved through the centuries, from the grandeur of Shakespeare's Elizabethan stage to the modern era's innovative and diverse theatrical expressions. Theater, in its essence, is a mirror to society, reflecting the complexities, joys, and sorrows of the human condition. It is a space where stories come to life, emotions are explored, and audiences are transported to other worlds. As we celebrate World Theatre Day, we spotlight the inspiring theater experiences within the GetSetUp community, where the stage becomes a platform for lifelong learning, connection, and personal growth.

Transformative Experience of Hannah J. 

Hannah J., recounts her transformative journey with theatre, highlighting the role GetSetUp has played in reigniting her passion for drama and performance. "During school days, I always liked doing a stage show, even if it was a small skit, but nervousness often stopped me from participating... Now, I have completed three seasons of theatre play online. Soon, when I found out that GetSetUp was planning an online virtual theatre performance, I quickly enrolled myself in the drama play 'Andher Nagri Chaupat Raja,' directed by another GetSetUp Learner, Shyam P, with Anita R as a Guide. The practice sessions were fun and educational, focusing on script understanding, speech clarity, dialogue learning, and voice modulation. Assigned the roles of a halwai (sweet seller) and Bhisti, I managed, in just two days, to prepare my costumes and master my dialogues. I successfully enacted both roles with great confidence, seamlessly transitioning between them with a quick costume change. This experience was a remarkable journey in my theatrical exploration,” Hannah shares. For Hannah, the thrill of performing online mirrored the exhilaration of a live stage, proving that the joy of theater knows no bounds and that learning can be boundless and accessible from anywhere.

"What a great feeling it was! I never felt like I was doing an online play; it felt more like an offline stage show. I didn't realize how I could overcome my fear of the stage one day and gain confidence in doing both roles with ease and without any nervousness. Thanks to GetSetUp for allowing me to play the roles of a halwai and bhisti. I thoroughly enjoyed the drama lessons and loved making many friends. More than anything, I was able to boost my self-confidence and overcome my stage fear. I fulfilled my long-term passion for participating in stage shows and learned about theatre skills, art, acting, and performance. Now, I feel so proud of myself, thinking that learning was easy and all from the comfort of my home on a virtual platform." Her narrative beautifully captures the essence of embracing learning and personal development at any stage of life.

Angela’s Enchanting World of 'Phantom of the Opera'

Another community member, Angela R., shares her love for the iconic musical "The Phantom of the Opera,” a musical that has captured the hearts of theater enthusiasts worldwide. ”The story and the music are haunting and play on in the mind," she reflects. This story of a disfigured musical genius and his unrequited love for the talented soprano Christine set against the Paris Opera House backdrop resonates with many for its hauntingly beautiful music and tragic romance. 

Did you know? The Phantom of the Opera not only has a long run on Broadway, first opening in 1988, but it also became the longest-running show in Broadway history, celebrating its 10,000th performance on February 11, 2012, the first Broadway production to achieve such a milestone. Angela's story highlights how theatre can deeply affect our imagination and feelings, showing us how powerful and universally appealing good stories and music can be.

As we celebrate World Theatre Day, we're reminded of how powerful theater can be through stories from the GetSetUp community. Theater isn't just about putting on a show; it's about growing, gaining confidence, and connecting more deeply with art. From overcoming stage fright to sharing the love for famous Broadway shows, theater touches our hearts in special ways. It brings joy and a deep sense of achievement, showing us how theater can make a difference.

Have you ever taken the stage, or perhaps a certain play or musical resonates with you? Join our community of active agers today by dropping us a “Hi” on WhatsApp.