The courage to create is out of this world

1/10/2025

It takes courage.

We do not want to take lightly this sentiment.

Last night we were among a select group of people invited to watch the final dress rehearsal of “Space Cadets.”

Attending dress rehearsals isn’t something new for us. We enjoy an ongoing partnership with the Barrow-Civic Theatre. This has afforded us the opportunity to get sneak peaks for several productions throughout the years since Eight & 322 was founded.

Last night was a little different.

Last night was the first time an audience watched “Space Cadets,” a one-act youth theatre musical written by locals Emilee Weaver (script) and Aoife Salusky (music).

Writing is hard work.

It is more than just sitting down and punching out some words into the computer or jjotting some sentences down on paper.

It takes imagination.

It takes invention.

It takes a little of yourself.

It takes guts.

Sharing that writing with others takes courage to another level. It is opening yourself up to feedback that can lift you up or slam you down.

Does the plot make sense? Will others find the jokes funny? Are the lines cohesive? Is there value in what has been written?

Now take that courage and push it further by asking others to interpret your words in action, on a stage.

You have to trust others to see between the lines to find the intent.

Their interpretation, their understanding will become the audience’s interpretation and understanding.

It's trusting others to understand your soul.

What if it differs from what you envisioned?

Will it be better?

What if it is worse?

And did we mention that everyone involved is very young, mostly teenagers?

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Space Cadet on a sold out run at the Barrow Little Theatre.

More importantly, congratulations to Weaver and Salusky for having the courage to write, the courage to share, and the courage to put their heart and soul out on display for us to share in their creative journey.

To share in their courage.