Jill Olka, Vocal and Assistant Director
As we were trying to decide on a musical last year, all I could think about is the talent of the current 8th graders. We had to do a show where everyone gets a chance to shine. Willy Wonka, Jr. was the best fit! All the amazing students would have a chance to be a character that has their own moment. At auditions back in November all the talent found their places. Magically, it always works out! Jaclyn-humble star-you are an incredible Wonka! You are so easy to work with and take great direction. You have a beautiful voice, but more importantly a beautiful soul. Alex-my assistant-your future is bright. Your voice is like butter and always gives me the goosebumps. It is you as a person that impresses me even more. You are so kind, respectful and thoughtful. Enzo-sweet young man-look how far you’ve come!!! I still remember you not only a small boy in Aladdin, but back to your primary school days. Seeing you on the stage warms my heart, like the Auntie Olka I am! Anthony-dedicated young man-you have worked so hard to be where you are today. That voice is rockin’ this year!!! You are always so easy going and carefree. Your passion is contagious. Now, I could keep going and going and going because each of the 75 middle schoolers (and 24 5th graders) in this show has a special place in my heart. Just know that if I did not name you above, I still care about you (watch for your words of encouragement in your bag)! Each and every one of you has impressed me in some way through our time together. Thank you for noticing that I encourage you and try to be positive. That is because you ALL bring out the best in me! To my fellow directors, being able to CREATE something so special and magical with you all is always an honor. We truly are a family and have each others' backs. Mrs. Tryka-your acting knowledge and passion continues to inspire me to be better. Mrs. Sheehan-your vision and loyalty to our program is undeniable. Mrs. Buell-your technology knowledge and patience is one of a kind! We are so lucky to have you as part of our family. Mr. Mason Brody- your determination and sheer talent is commendable. Many times, people say this generation of child is lazy or entitled. You are the exact OPPOSITE of that! Your vision for blocking, special choreography, artistic ability, but mostly your “get it done” attitude is noteworthy. I see a bright future for you if you give as much attention to detail to everything in your life. Mrs. Henning- you are so supportive and creative. You are like the glue that keeps us together and always step in to help without even asking, which is always much appreciated. Lastly, I need to thank my family for their support as I chose to take on this endeavor for the third year. My son, Ryan, comes with me to most Saturday rehearsals. He helps build, paint and pick out props. However, what makes me most excited is, he shows that he is proud of the work I do. To Jeff, my husband-you are always willing give your time to build, finish projects and shop. You always pick up the slack at home during musical season. It shows the kind of man you are to encourage me to do things that I am passionate about even though it takes time away from you two. You are my rock. I love you both so deeply!
Rebecca Buell, Technical Director
After reading countless director’s notes I never thought I’d actually be able to write my own. My journey with theater started at a young age and I thank my parents greatly for that. I’m not quite sure what my first play or musical was, but I will always remember seeing a production of Brigadoon where my neighbor played a character who died. My young mind actually thought that he was dead, and it took quite a bit of consoling from my mom and a quick visit after the musical to convince me that my neighbor had not, in fact, been killed during the production. From that moment, the magic of theater, that anything can happen, has always been something I hold dear to my heart. Last year I helped a bit in the shadows, but when I was asked to be Technical Director this year, I immediately jumped on the opportunity. Finding out that we would be traveling to such a magical place as Wonka’s factory had me even more excited.Those who know me personally know that I am always doing a million different activities, but this year I took the time to decide to do things that make my heart happy and theater is one of them. Seeing the students shining on stage and the crew moving all of the puzzle pieces to make the show come together has been truly remarkable. My fellow directors, thank you for allowing me to be apart of your team and create the Wonka magic. It’s been such a pleasure to work with a strong, talented, and passionate group of people to make this incredible production. Stage Managers and Stage Manager Assistants, thank you for jumping at the opportunity and listening to directions like champions.
