Puffs: One Act for Young Wizards - June 25 - June 27, 2021
Belleville Middle School Theatre Arts Company
Director's Note
June 2021
Dear Virtual Audience Member-
It is my honor and pleasure to welcome you to the BMS Theatre Arts Company's spring production of Puffs: A One Act for Young Wizards. This has been a whirlwind process- including casting, blocking, filming and editing- all in less than eight weeks. Three hundred videos later (not exaggerating), I could not be prouder of this cast and all they accomplished.
I approach theatre as a school director with the goal to challenge the cast and then pull back and adjust as needed. That has been every show I have done. Ever. My directorial debut came in 2012 with Jekyll and Hyde, a known challenging show with heavy themes, period costumes, and the necessity of three powerhouse talents. From that show was born three of my favorite performers, all working artists today.
As a director and after enough shows, I know a spark when I see one. I know instinct when I see it. I also know depth when I see it, and a young actor’s ability to empathize with their character. This Puffs cast is all that and more- they are kind, responsible, and welcoming, and they possess a depth to their emotional range that greatly informs every scene that they perform. This cast as a whole is its own spark- and I can’t wait to see what else I can help them accomplish next year, in a world that looks more like they deserve.
Many times last year, the world seemed like it would never be normal again and I found that terrifying- but this cast proved my fears wrong. One of Wanda's final lines in the show mentions that "...love is the greatest magic there is..." and I saw this in every single one of these cast members every day. Considering we have not spent as much time together as we would during a normal rehearsal process, this cast's bond developed quickly. One of my favorite things was to watch them during break- not on their phones, as their generation so often gets accused- but being silly, laughing, and enjoying one another's company. One day in particular, this got me a a little emotional because I was reminded that, though our country and our world has experiences some of its darkest hours in the last year and half, love, silliness, and the joy of youth can't be destroyed. If that does not give hope for the future, I don't know what will.
Thank you again for joining us. We look forward to seeing you next year, live and in person! Wishing you all a healthy and happy summer!
Sincerely,
Jamie L. Conway
Director/Advisor
Belleville Middle School Theatre Arts Comppany
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