Clodagh Quain, of St Aloysius College in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, wrote this while rehearsing for her TY musical last year

If you have already experienced the exhilaration of a school show, you will agree that there is nothing quite like it. Performing is an art that develops over time, and transition year has given me the opportunity to explore this.

As a TY student, I am among many other students preparing for our school show, Oh What a Circus!, by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The atmosphere in the hall is quite difficult to explain. It holds a mixture of emotions: apprehension, enjoyment, excitement and, of course, enthusiasm. I love each and every time I step on to the stage.

Up there, stage lights are blinding, mature wooden floors seem to hold so much history and velvet curtains hide what's yet to come. Soloists step up to the front of the stage, and students and instruments harmonise with them. There is patience and sincere teamwork among each and every person, and I still find it difficult to keep the smile off my face.

Dancers strut around on stage and parade through the aisles, grabbing the attention of students passing by. We assemble round the piano yet again, but we're so used to it by now that it's almost comfortable. Our arms and legs ache from standing around, but our minds are wide.

Everyone is extremely supportive of anyone who is brave enough to take the plunge and throw themselves into the deep end. Whether it is reaching for the high notes or dancing to lively tunes, we support the people who are feeling the pressure of the roles they have taken on.

Co-operation is the key. We dream of having a successful show, and as each day passes we work together as a team. Nobody is taking the glory for themselves, but we are all working so hard together that there is no time for that anyway. If you have been through this, it's easy to understand.

As rehearsals come to an end, the black elegant piano gradually quietens down and we take a well-earned rest. The spotlights fade in the distance as we come to the end of another busy day.

But tomorrow it will all begin once more. Rehearsal and practice for what we hope will be the brightest most spectacular circus we will ever be a part of.

If you want to contribute to My TY, send a 500-word article about an aspect of your transition year to gfaller@irish-times.ie. Remember to include your name, your school's name and a telephone number