Before the stage begins

"Ah, mic test." A low, resonant test sound echoed through the spacious studio. "Drunk, dunk." The sound of props and cameras being moved around the expansive space echoed. "Mic test, mic test." And then, once again, a sound like the air rippled. "Haa..." I took a deep breath to stop my racing heart, and then exhaled. Clang! The stage began.