Teen Ink Magazine, December 2006: Focus: Performing
Waiting by Chris T., Elmira, NY
Four anxious, solemn statues Bathed in eerie crimson light Guitars in hand, backstage we wait I, the farthest to the right Bulldozers push against my stomach
In The Spotlight by Kathrin D., Rocky Hill, CT
The play went by much too quickly, but something happened to all of us: we become an ensemble. Continue...
For Theater by Jessica S., Phoenix, AZ
Theater has been my most valuable experience. This is where I learn to trust myself and others which leads to exhilaration. Continue...
The Gig by Tim K., Congers, NY
The crowd buzzed with anticipation as my four band members and I confidently strode onto the stage to plug in our guitars. It was our first performance at this venue and I was amazed to see how many kids from our school had come to listen. Continue...
In My Element by Katie C., Tulsa, OK
I feel anxious, excited, nervous. I am just ready to get it over with. We have practiced for months. We run onto the floor. We run to our places and wait for those three ticks.
Cappies by Suzanne D., Columbia, MD
No one is ever prepared to write their first review for The Cappies, a high school theater and journalism program that trains students to review school productions. Continue...
Tears Only Ruin Your Make-up by Jacinda B., Poultney, VT
It might sound crazy, but in some ways this chaos is reassuring. Somehow, we always manage to pull together and go on with the show. It might not be the best, but the fact that we put on a performance is what’s important. Continue...
First Guitar by David O., Shreveport, LA
The first guitar I ever played was my uncle’s old acoustic. The strings were wound way too tight and the action was so stiff I could hardly push the strings down, but I played it every day. Continue...
Film Acting by Christine T., Dallas, TX
“There’s gonna be one less rugrat in this room!” The words rang in my ears as the convict pointed his gun against my head. The floodgates opened and tears poured down my face. No one in the courtroom moved; everyone was held silent in the grip of fear. A few seconds passed and the convict put down his gun, turning his back on me. Continue...
Euphonium by Richard P., Gouverneur, NY
Playing the euphonium is one of the greatest pleasures in my life. For those unfamiliar with the instrument, it looks like a midget tuba. When I play it, I get to control everything. It’s just my instrument and me with endless possibilities. All that matters is that I do my best and have fun. Continue...
Oh, Say Can You ... by Gina C., Riverton, IL
My incident not only was a horrible case of stage fright, but something I will never forget. Continue...
Born to Perform by Jullian L., Auburn, NY
Many people take years to discover what makes them feel complete. Some never find it. Still, others are lucky and find what motivates them early in life. I’m one of the lucky ones - I learned what makes me tick, what makes me “me,” when I was just six. I found myself on a stage. Continue...
Teen Ink PO Box 30 Newton, MA 02461 (617) 964-6800 editor@teenink.com
Copyright 2008 by Teen Ink, The 21st Century and The Young Authors Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the written
permission of the publisher: The Young Authors Foundation, Inc.
Teen Ink is a national teen magazine, book and website featuring
teen writing, information, art, photos, poetry, teen issues and more. All
articles are written by teen authors who are students at schools. The monthly
print magazine is appropriate for any teenager -- teenagers age 13 to 19
attending secondary school: junior high school, middle school and high school.
This publication is used by professional people including English teachers,
writing teachers, language arts instructors, journalism teachers, school
newspaper advisors, librarians, guidance counselors, K-12 principals in addition
to the PTA or PTO. Each issue of Teen Ink magazine contains a wide variety of
student work: we publish nonfiction, fiction, poems, community service, sports,
heroes, interviews, college essays, college reviews, book reviews, concert
reviews, movie reviews, music reviews, video reviews, video game reviews, the
environment, opinion, sports, pets, cars, automobiles, travel and culture, jobs
and money, health issues, artwork, photographs, cartoons, short stories, essays,
writing contests, a college directory and the website also has a bulletin board
and resources for teens and educators. Subjects include racism,
eating disorders, depression, death, suicide, family, relationships, jobs,
grandparents, violence, the college process, college information, colleges,
driving, self esteem, the arts, movies and more. Teen Ink is also a book series
published by HCI Teens. Subjects covered in the book include Friends, Fitting In,
Love, Challenges, Family, Heroes, Loss and Memories. Teen Ink was established in
1989 as The 21st Century magazine by The Young Authors Foundation, a nonprofit
organization. More than 25,000 teens have been published in the magazine and its
companion Poetry Journal. Teen Ink runs a London Summer Program for teenage writers.
