Emma had always been a quiet student who preferred to sit in the back of the classroom. She loved reading books and writing stories, but the thought of speaking in public terrified her. One autumn morning, the drama teacher Mrs. Chen made an announcement that would change everything. 'This year, our school will be performing Romeo and Juliet,' she said with excitement. 'Auditions will be held next week, and everyone is encouraged to participate.' Emma's best friend Sophie grabbed her arm and whispered, 'You have to try out!' Emma shook her head nervously and replied, 'I could never perform in front of all those people.' That evening, Emma could not stop thinking about the play as she sat in her room. She had read Romeo and Juliet many times and knew the story by heart. The character of Juliet had always fascinated her because of her courage and passion. 'Maybe I should try,' Emma thought to herself, 'What is the worst that could happen?' The next day, she gathered her courage and signed up for the auditions. Sophie hugged her tightly and said, 'I knew you could do it!' The week before the audition passed quickly, filled with practice and preparation. Emma practiced her lines every night in front of the mirror until she knew them perfectly. Her mother noticed her dedication and offered encouraging words every morning. Finally, the day of the auditions arrived, and Emma felt her heart racing. The school auditorium was filled with students hoping to get a role in the play. Mrs. Chen called out names one by one, and students performed short scenes. When Emma heard her name, she stood up on trembling legs and walked to the stage. The bright lights made it difficult to see the audience, which actually helped her feel less nervous. She took a deep breath and began to recite Juliet's famous balcony speech. At first her voice was quiet, but as she continued, it grew stronger and more confident. When she finished, there was a moment of silence before everyone started clapping. Mrs. Chen smiled and nodded approvingly as Emma returned to her seat. Two days later, the cast list was posted on the drama room door. Emma walked slowly towards the door, too nervous to look at the paper. Sophie ran up to her with a huge smile and shouted, 'You got the part!' Emma could not believe it when she saw her name next to the role of Juliet. The following weeks were the most intense of Emma's school life. Rehearsals took place every day after school until six in the evening. Emma had to memorize hundreds of lines while also learning how to move on stage. The boy playing Romeo was named Daniel, and at first they were both awkward together. However, as they practiced more, they developed a strong friendship and natural chemistry. Mrs. Chen worked tirelessly with everyone, giving advice and encouragement. She taught Emma how to project her voice so that even people in the back row could hear. The costume department created beautiful Renaissance dresses for the female actors. Emma's dress was made of deep blue velvet with silver embroidery on the sleeves. When she tried it on for the first time, she felt like she had traveled back in time. Meanwhile, the technical crew was building an impressive set with a balcony and garden scenery. As opening night approached, Emma began to feel increasingly anxious about performing. She had nightmares about forgetting her lines or falling off the stage. Sophie noticed her friend's worry and took her for a walk in the park one afternoon. 'Remember why you signed up for this,' Sophie said gently. 'You wanted to challenge yourself and discover what you are capable of.' Emma smiled weakly and nodded, knowing that Sophie was right. The day before the show, a final dress rehearsal was held in front of the teachers. Everything went smoothly except for a small problem with the lighting. The technical team worked late into the night to fix it before opening night. Finally, opening night arrived, and the school auditorium was completely full. Parents, students, and community members filled every seat, eager to watch the performance. Backstage, Emma put on her costume with trembling hands and looked at herself in the mirror. Mrs. Chen gathered the entire cast in a circle and gave a motivational speech. 'You have all worked incredibly hard for this moment,' she said proudly. 'Now go out there and show everyone what you can do!' The lights dimmed, and the curtain slowly rose as the audience fell silent. The opening scene began, and Emma watched from the wings, waiting for her entrance. Her heart was pounding so loudly that she could barely hear the dialogue on stage. When her cue came, she stepped onto the stage and transformed into Juliet. Something magical happened the moment she began speaking her first lines. All her fear disappeared, and she became completely absorbed in the character. The famous balcony scene was the highlight of the second act. Emma stood on the balcony looking down at Daniel, and they delivered their lines perfectly. The audience was so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop. As the tragic ending unfolded, Emma saw some people in the audience wiping tears from their eyes. When the final scene ended and the curtain fell, there was a moment of absolute silence. Then the auditorium erupted in thunderous applause that seemed to go on forever. The cast came out for their bows, and Emma could see her parents standing and clapping proudly. Sophie was in the front row, cheering louder than anyone else. After the show, Mrs. Chen hugged each member of the cast and told them how proud she was. Emma's parents came backstage with a beautiful bouquet of red roses. 'We had no idea you were so talented,' her mother said, tears streaming down her face. Her father added, 'You completely captured who Juliet was as a person.' The school play was performed for three more nights, and each performance was just as successful. On the final night, the local newspaper sent a reporter to write an article about the production. The article praised the entire cast but especially highlighted Emma's outstanding performance. 'A star is born at Lincoln High School,' the headline read. Emma kept the newspaper clipping in a frame on her bedroom wall. The experience of being in the school play changed Emma in many ways. She discovered that she was capable of doing things she had never imagined possible. Her confidence grew, and she started participating more actively in class discussions. The girl who once hid in the back row now raised her hand to answer questions. Mrs. Chen asked Emma to help coach younger students who wanted to try acting. Emma loved helping them overcome their fears just as she had overcome her own. Daniel and Emma remained close friends and continued to act together in future plays. Sophie always supported Emma from the audience, proudly telling everyone that they were best friends. Years later, when Emma graduated from high school, she had been in twelve school productions. She decided to study theater at university because she could not imagine doing anything else. At her graduation ceremony, Emma gave a speech about following your dreams despite your fears. 'Four years ago, I was a shy girl who could not imagine standing on a stage,' she told her classmates. 'But one decision to try something new changed everything for me.' 'Never let fear stop you from discovering who you truly are.' Mrs. Chen was sitting in the front row, watching her former student with pride and joy. She remembered that nervous girl who had almost not signed up for auditions. Looking at Emma now, confident and inspiring others, Mrs. Chen knew that teaching was worth it. After the ceremony, Emma found Sophie waiting for her with the same excited smile from years ago. 'I told you that you could do it,' Sophie said, giving her a warm hug. 'And you were right,' Emma replied with a grateful smile. 'Everything started when you convinced me to try out for that school play.' And somewhere in the future, Emma knew that Juliet would always be her first and most special role.
English Story (B1)The School Play
This B1 English story is designed for intermediates learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Emma, a shy student who fears public speaking, unexpectedly signs up for auditions when her school announces a production of Romeo and Juliet. Despite her nerves, she lands the lead role of Juliet. Through weeks of intense rehearsals, she bonds with her castmates and discovers a hidden talent for acting. On opening night, Emma transforms on stage, delivering a memorable performance that earns a standing ovation. The experience changes her life, building her confidence and inspiring her to pursue theater in university. Years later, she reflects on how one brave decision to try something new shaped her entire future.
Translations in English
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
What play did Mrs. Chen announce the school would be performing?
2
What helped Emma feel less nervous when she performed on stage during the audition?
3
What did Emma decide to study at university after graduating from high school?
4
What did Sophie say to Emma after the graduation ceremony?
Vocabulary
39 words from this story
