The Drama Exam Poem by Angela Wybrow

I sit outside the exam room,
Worrying that I'll forget my lines.
I sit there feeling anxious,
Trying to convince myself it will be just fine.

I can hear the slightly muffled sounds
Of the previous candidate going through their paces.
Sat in the corridor at RADA, on my own,
My mind feels with fear, while my heart madly races.

I've rehearsed these pieces over and over,
So the words I'm hoping that I won't forget.
I've recited them every day for weeks on end,
So, in my mind, they should be firmly set.

Soon enough, it's my chance to shine.
I know I've got to keep my nerves at bay.
I take a deep breath, compose myself, then launch into
'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? '

After my sonnet, I perform my speech.
'If music be the food of love, ' I start to recite.
I'm totally amazed and relieved that, for both pieces,
I manage to get every single word perfectly right!

Next, the examiner sits me back down,
To discuss her expectations for the sight reading test.
With only a few minutes preparation time.
I'll just have to try and do my very best.

With the exam now over,
To the examiner, I bid farewell.
I think I've done okay,
But, I guess, it can be hard to tell.

A few weeks later, I get my result.
I've passed with Merit. I feel great,
And so, that night, I head to the pub,
For a drink to celebrate!