Hi! My name is Carmen, and I am eight years old. I just moved to a small town called Hastings, Michigan with my mom, dad, and older brother Shane.

I love to sing....morning, noon and night. I sing in the shower, I sing when I am outside, I sing in the car, and I love to sing for my family and put on a show for them. One day, I dream of singing on a big stage for thousands of people.

"Are you kidding?" I asked with excitement. "I would love that! I've always wanted to perform on the big stage."

"Carmen, I have been noticing how much you like to sing.....and you are very good. I found a children's theatre who is looking for students your age for a summer drama camp. Would that be something you'd be interested in?"

One day, my mom came to me and said:

I remember my first day in the theatre. I felt so small, and there were so many seats! But I was overwhelmed with joy!

 I auditioned for a play and came back the next day to find out I had landed the lead role. That is a very big part. I was going to be the star I had always dreamed of. We practiced and practiced for four weeks. 

But when it came time to put on the show, there were so many people in the crowd. I felt like there were butterflies in my stomach. I started to get sweaty and froze with fear.

"I can't do it! I think I am going to be sick," I explained to my instructor.

My instructor, Miss Ashlynne pulled me aside to try and calm my nerves. She said, "I want to teach you how to breathe like a star. First, you

Stop

Take a deep breath

And

Relax!"

We repeated the star breath 3 times until my body was much calmer.