The audience at the Avila’s Goppert Theater erupts into cheers and the curtain closes for intermission as junior Angela Griffin darts for the exit. She has merely minutes to get from Avila back to school in time for practice. This has become the norm for Griffin, who decided to try out for the play during dance team’s most crucial season.

“I had heard that the musical needed lots of dancers and I have always loved “Hairspray,” so I decided to give it a try,” Griffin said. “I knew from the start it would be a lot on my plate with dance team getting ready for nationals.”

Griffin admits that managing her time was difficult at first, but she learned how to make it all work as she got used to her hectic schedule.

“I wasn’t used to constantly being on the go and I was so tired from going back and forth all the time at first,” Griffin said. “After the first week it got easier though and I really figured out how to fit it all in.”

On a typical day, Griffin would go straight from school to the musical rehearsal and straight from rehearsal to dance team practice. Being constantly on the go was a challenge for Griffin, who missed having down time to relax. It also meant that finding time for homework could sometimes be tricky.

“There was no time to just sit down and watch TV to relax,” Griffin said. “If I wasn’t practicing I’d be doing homework and I had to make sure that school was still a top priority and I was getting all my work done on time.”

Although trying out for the school musical was not something Griffin had always planned on doing, she thoroughly enjoyed her time with the cast and has found performing to be extremely rewarding.

“Regardless of how busy I’ve been, I don’t regret doing either dance team or the musical,” Griffin said. “I’ve had so much fun and I hope to do them both again next year.”