Friends, Parents, students, and members of the community. Welcome to the Athens Student Actors’ Guild 2023 Spring Production of SpongeBob SquarePants the Broadway Musical.
For anyone who doesn’t know, my name is Brasha, and I am the new Director and Music Director of ASAG. Around this time four years ago, I was taking what I thought was my last bow on this stage in the Spring 2019 production of Curtains. I went on to seek a degree in Musical Theatre in New York City, putting me on a path toward a career on Broadway. But COVID-19 had other plans, which put me on a path toward taking over as the Director of the Program which gave me my love of Theatre.
I want to share some thank yous before we begin today's performance.
To begin, I want to say a huge thank you to my Co-director and Partner-in-Crime, M. Alice Bennett, without whom this show, this program, and this group would not have come together. I know I, and all the cast are grateful to you for all the cookies, hugs and support you’ve given us since we took this journey in December.
To M. Tim Henry, my stage manager, and calming circle buddy; without you in the booth, this show would literally be at a Standstill. You have been the brawn to my brain, the Patrick to my SpongeBob, and the expert Cat-herder this program (and sometimes me personally) desperately needs! Thank you so much!
Next, I want to thank the School administration, with a particular emphasis on M. William Clark and M. Lori Wells. Together with their help, we got this show off the ground and got the ball rolling. Despite many setbacks, we always had your support, and we were able to make this success.
To this INCREDIBLE group of students. You have made this journey so entertaining. When the goin' got tough, you did not get lost. You all stayed focused while we waited for our materials. You were quick on your feet and adaptable, and when we gave directions, you followed. The bumps in the road were like a blip to you. You worked so hard, and your dedication really showed to Ali and me.
To the parents of these hard-working Students. You all have been so patient through this ever-changing process. The setbacks, the waiting, and the quick bursts of change. Your willingness to work with us did not go unnoticed. You have been instrumental in keeping this program afloat, and without your support of your children, ASAG would not still exist today.
To the community, including the Staff of the School, the members of the Orchestra, our volunteers at the front of the house, and the amazing community members who supported this program. From Program printing to custodial work in our Theatre. This tight-knit community has come out in droves to give this program what we need to survive, thrive and entertain. We, the directors cast and crew, wish to give the biggest thank you to anyone in the community who gave even a moment of their time to help our this program. We are grateful.
Thank you to everyone for all that you have done.
<3
- B
