Sounds like you need a photography course, there are many free ones available online:)
I didn't know that there are parrots in California.
Another good reason to keep trying for that perfect shot:)
You might want to try adjusting the contrast a bit. I think that it's a bit soft (focus wise).
See if you can find out the color temperature of the lighting in the gym, Read your manual :)
I shoot plays from start to finish, 80% under not stage lighting but overhead florescent lighting (4200degrees) on a generally flat black stage. I love this lens and you will too:)
Does anyone know the light temperature of a Nikon D3300 built-in flash? Thanx
Her hair is blown out, eyes not well lit, those pipes on the right can be deleted and she looks really uncomfortable not sitting. If it was mine...I'd chuck it.
Shooting from 10 rows back? Remember that there's nothing wrong with getting a few rows of the audience in the shot.
I don't think that you are missing anything! I shoot live theater under extremely variable lighting conditions from the read-throughs to the final curtain and I shoot ISO6400 all the time, now that it's a very useable. Modern high ISO levels have upped my "keepers" to about 70%. High ISO's and fast lenses have made my life complete:)
I use an old slide projector screen with wobbly built in tripod.