Being a performer has been the highlight of my life since I was very young. Growing up in a musical family, it's just "in my blood", as the old saying goes. I've been playing piano since age 6, singing since at 11, performing professionally since age 12, and was even a band geek for a short period of time. Everybody knew the "Bestor" name. However, no matter whose family you belong to, there's always that one event you hate that's involved in show biz. AUDITION. Auditioning for a talent show, play, musical, TV show, etc. We all have to do it, no matter who you are. Then, there's that other word: Favoritism. If you build a rapport with a director or someone in a higher position, they tend to choose who they're familiar with for a certain part or show. I have been in 5 of this amazing man's shows who has become a legend in Orem, Utah. He's also a lifelong friend and practically family member of the guy you see on the far left. Jerry Elison has been a part of my dad's life since he was 12 years old. He put my dad in several of his shows, not always in a lead part, but my dad did have some speaking parts. Jerry even has a son named after him! You can pretty much guess the shoes I've had to fill. As a performer, you want to progress and spread your wings by working with other directors. So, I've tried to audition for other directors and shows. However, I've been shot down every time except for Jerry's shows.
Now, you can say, "Maybe you just weren't right for the show". That's a notorious explanation for those who audition and feel like they've failed. However, add the fact that you automatically go to your head that you're "living in your family's shadow". How can I live up to my parents' excellent performing and endless accomplishments? How can I develop the repertoire that my parents have set before me? Now, I don't necessarily HAVE to live up to their expectations, but music is something I love. Sometimes, I wish I wasn't "Kurt Bestor's daughter", but I also wish I wasn't "Melodie Bestor's daughter": someone who can play any piece on the piano, memorize any piece, has perfect pitch, can sightread any piece of music, and could very well be accepted to somewhere like Julliard. I want to shine for MY talent. I have a nice voice; not an amazing voice. But, I also don't "look" like a performer. High heels, fashionable clothes, skinny, perky personality, and a "look at me" demeanor. I want to touch people with my voice. I want people to react, whether that be by tears, a smile, a standing ovation (ok, not really, but that's always nice haha). I want performing to be a gift you share with someone to bless THEM as much as yourself.
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