Bods had always been my 2nd family. My escape from reality and my chance to do what I love with amazing people that I love. I’ve been working with Mandy for 10 years this september. I started out as a little sapling aged 11 and since then, I’ve loved every second of every moment that I spend with bods. I find myself counting down the days when I’m next at monday class or a rehearsal because it’s genuinely my happiest place.
As an autistic performer and songwriter, it’s always been challenging to fit in and I’ve always had so much anxiety about putting myself out there. My mum wanted me to join a bunch of singing & drama clubs to help boost my confidence. In September 2014 I did my first saplings show which was ‘Archibald’s War’ and I played Princess Elizabeth when she did her big WW2 speech. My first ever monologue! I did 3 saplings shows after that & then I joined the first little bods group!
It was me and 3 other people and we started learning a play where we all played different breeds of dog. I had the honor of playing a french poodle! The show sadly never progressed because covid hit so we ended up doing zoom classes. Who knew learning to tap dance on zoom was so fun!!!
I then started musical theatre college for a couple years, and then returned to work with Mandy again for ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ which was the most fun show I’ve ever done in my life! I even got to write some music for it and perform live with my ukulele dressed as a gorgeous blue fairy! Shortly after that, I joined the bods that we know and love today, where I met so many wonderful people that are lifelong friends. I also reunited with a close friend from school, and had it not been for bods I probably would never have had the courage to reconnect. I’ve really found my confidence within bods from just doing what I’m passionate about, I’ve sang some of my favourite show tunes and acted in pots of awesome shows and even had the opportunity to pursue dance from links to bods. It all comes down to who you know!
Bods has in fact saved my life, the people I’ve met, the opportunities that I’ve had, the memories I’ve made, it’s all so valuable. On days when I’m down and feeling alone, even if I don’t see them that day, my bods family is always there to make me smile. They’re always a text away and I didn’t have that before. I have a community that I know I can count on & vice versa. We’re all one big team and we’re each other’s cheerleaders!
I could go anywhere, and can guarantee that I wouldn’t experience the same amount of love, friendships and support that I’ve gotten at bods. It’s a feeling like no other!
I’m so grateful that I’m part of a beautiful little family and community. Performing is what brings us all together. And that’s what life’s all about, doing what you love with who you love.
- Evie
