Once more. So: opening night.
I wasn't nervous. But you could feel the energy building, the tension. It's odd to hear the people in the foyer talking and laughing while we cower backstage and pretend we're not there. The director is very experienced in amatuer theatre, with over 50 productions behind him, and he gets annoyed if we don't behave properly.
When I finally got out on stage to do my first bit, I noticed the auditorium was about one fifth full. Not bad, and about what I expected. They seemed to enjoy it all.