Words simply cannot express the amount of gratitude, happiness, love, and joy that I have felt all throughout the process of this show. There is just so much to admire about our cast and crew, and I wouldn't change a thing about this process.
The world really just moves so quickly. It feels like just yesterday that Bear Productions started, but it really has been almost two and a half years since then, and now we have made it to our third full length musical production, the best one yet: Free Throw.
All of the shows produced by Bear Productions so far (Breaking Free, Harmony, Free Throw) have all had similar themes when it comes to friendship, being yourself, teamwork, and other ideas within that circle, and the reason for that is because it's so important. It's crazy to think that a small childrens' theater program has changed people's full perspective on life just because of a 90 minute musical that discussed deep themes like that, but the amount of lives that has been changed because of these shows is simply insane.
It really does feel like the end of an era. The three shows put on with this company has been seriously life changing for me, the kids involved in the shows, the parents, and all audiences. I am so incredibly grateful for everything I have gotten to teach the kids, but mostly what the kids have gotten to teach me. Something so different yet special about Bear Productions is that all kids get to learn from each other, instead of just being taught by an adult. You get to make serious connections with your director, and sometimes that causes more problems, but for the most part it really just creates a happier and friendlier environment for everyone.
Has Bear Productions had its ups and downs? Absolutely, but every down we have had has always been a new opportunity for us to learn. The phrase "You learn something new every day" could never be more true with a company like this. You are constantly battling new problems, but they always end up turning into something new, fun, and a good chance to learn.
It really is out in the open on whether we will continue to produce shows with Bear Productions. A part of me wants to continue for a while. Like I said, there is always something to learn and I'm sure any show we produce later will be even better than the last, but another part of me says that I have done everything I need to do here. All good things must come to an end, and after teaching all of these lessons on this stage, maybe the right time for this to end is now.
But these things never really end. Anyone involved with this will always have a special place in their heart for it. It will never truly leave someone. Even if the company isn't running in the real world, it is always running inside you. So, whether we do another production or not, this company is one of the best things that has ever happened in Southern Illinois theater.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of something bigger than all of us. When we all come together to make a production like this happen, you make friendships that will last a lifetime and memories that will never be forgotten. That is why theater is my favorite thing of all. The musical theater community is so accepting, so friendly, and only wants the best for everyone. The bonds between the cast that I saw in this show is probably my favorite part of all, and I hope that their bonds stay this way forever.
This show will never be forgotten. We will always have it somewhere in our hearts, until the end of time. Thank you.
- Emmett Whiteford, Director
