I have never been to a live play performance, but I have seen one on video. I loved it as though I was reading a great storybook; being able to stop at any time and pick up where I left off, but I never thought about the relationship between the performers and the audience. Nor did I think of the impact of all of the aspects that deal with creating a play and giving a great performance. For my first live play, I went to see Polaroid Stories; a play I thought would not be so shocking to a first-time audience member. I was wrong; this play almost literally looked me in the face and slapped me. The play had the look of a run-down playhouse that had little funding and little direction, but I later pieced it together that they made it part of the play, and obviously, you are not supposed to see those who are backstage directing.
             Additionally, I overlooked the performers' costumes, the stage lighting, and set design; everything I took for granted. I thought I could see the props and everything that was strategically placed or used, but I missed them all. I was surprised at how these people in charge took the look of a run-down playhouse and made it their stage. This was life on life's canvas and it was totally different from watching television. Everything became so tangible and real. For a moment I lost myself and really got into the play. I didn't think I was watching a group of people on a set acting for my entertainment, I felt I was actually watching life. As if I stepped out of my body for a moment and walked the streets seeing the lives of these street kids. You can't exactly get that from television; your mind is constantly running when you watch this play. The fact that the stage was right in front of me does not compare to television. If I took one step forward I would have been on stage, if I wasn't already. One of the actors felt breeze by me, and I could smell the smoke of another actor's cigarette. I kept h...