Have I ever performed on stage?

Circumstances in life have allowed me to return to writing. I am not sure how regularly I will write, but for now, I am writing. I recently found this piece in my draft folder, where it has been hanging out for a few years.

Question: Have you ever performed or given a speech on stage?

I honestly have no idea why this post was started, but it is a good question. The quick answer is no—I have never performed professionally. I can hear the internet breathing a sigh of relief. That said, yes, I have performed as an amateur.

My first “performance” was probably when I was a few months old. I discovered “my voice” shortly before my dad started the worship service. He was a worship pastor. Prior to that Sunday, my mom would leave me in a baby carrier near the piano while she played. So technically, I was on stage.

My first actual performances were in the preschool choir at church. One of the most memorable was a Christmas program. I do not remember the exact title or anything about the play, but we were singing The Friendly Beasts about the manger and the birth of Jesus. I was especially excited because I had a duet—or maybe a trio—part as the sheep. We had a verse to sing:

“I,” said the sheep with the curly horn,
I gave Him my wool for a blanket warm.
He wore my coat on Christmas morn.
“I,” said the sheep with the curly horn.

I was very excited. We spent a couple of months working on the program, and I was convinced I was going to wear a sheep costume. I was deeply disappointed when my mom picked up my costume and it turned out to be an itchy red—or maybe green—choir robe. I cannot remember the color for sure. I really wanted to wear a sheep costume.

Since then, my stage appearances have been limited to school or church events—usually band, choir, or plays. I have also given a few speeches as an educator.

So while I have never been a professional performer, the stage has been part of my life in one way or another for as long as I can remember.