Entering my twins' world while they delve into performing arts was one of my reasons for taking the job as costumer. Watching rehearsals and behind the scenes drama for the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has been an entirely new way to enjoy them.

Being part of the production team is great camouflage. I blend in with the piles of rumpled clothes, and orphaned backpacks on the couch, while the dressing room comes alive with pre show fervor.  Kids who might otherwise be hindered by self consciousness fling their exuberant energy into singing. Dancing. High fives as they let who they were slip to the floor and take on the character they will become. After tugging on leotards, fur collars, gloves and pointy ears, it is time to change their faces too. A wall of mirrors is encircled with lights above a counter stacked with blush, eyeliner, hairspray, bobby pins, clips, face paint and brushes. Within the palette for transformation is glitter, and sparkling beads that get glued to their skin. It is magic. 

But then the theme of the play is, after all, magic. Aslan is an unshakable force who understands the far reaching power of forgiveness. Sacrifice. Honor. Righting past wrongs. His compassion for Edmund is as tenacious as his desire to protect the children. 

I am enchanted by this door to another world. One in which fifteen year olds can clothe themselves in courage like a winter coat. A place where it matters not if you are popular, or the smartest in the class. It matters that you show up and believe in the magic. 

As one of the directors said before the curtain went up, "Don't tell the story. Be the story."