Stage Fright

A kid with terrible stage fright discovers they have been signed up for the school play. They must face their fear of performing in front of others and learn that being nervous is normal.

Mia Chen was eleven years old and loved making up stories in her head. She would imagine entire worlds while sitting at the back of the classroom, doodling in her notebook -- enchanted forests, talking animals, castles built on clouds. In her head, she was brave. In her head, she could say anything to anyone.

'Real life is the problem,' she had once told her best friend Jordan. 'In my head, everything is perfect.'

She lived with her mom in a small apartment above a bakery, and the smell of fresh bread followed her everywhere she went. It was a sunny Monday morning, and Mia was walking to Westbrook Elementary with Jordan. The school looked the same as always -- brick walls, a flagpole out front, and a big oak tree where everyone gathered before the bell rang.

'Another Monday,' Mia sighed.

'Another adventure,' Jordan corrected.