Ryan had been cast in another small town theater production. He was starting his acting career as a freshman in college, doing something he loved to do, surrounded by people who loved the stage as much as he did.
The play was Black Comedy, and Ryan had been cast as the protagonist, an antique dealer named Harold Gorringe. Ryan was thrilled as he read through the script and chatted excitedly with the other cast members.
His director came up behind his chair, crouched down and stated. "You know the character is gay, right, and you have to play it that way..."
Ryan froze. All the thrill and excitement had now been replaced with sudden anger, fear and shame. Was he just type cast??
He knew he was. That part of him had yet to come out... this show would expose that side.
In the weeks that followed, Ryan owned that role, the anger, fear and shame subsided, and the thrill and excitement returned. His performance was raw and delightful and the audiences laughter and love gave Ryan the courage he needed, to some day, one day, far in the future, finally accept and love the gay side. For now, he would act and pretend, for the sake of the stage.
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