Thank you for joining us for Freaky Friday. I don't normally write Director Notes, because I hope the performances speak for themselves.
However, given the topic and some of the opinions shared by characters in the show, I wanted to remind everyone in the audience that the students are playing characters, not themselves. Educational theatre can help teach empathy by allowing an actor to walk in a character's shoes for a short period of time, much like Ellie and Katherine do with each other. We have the opportunity to explore the thoughts, feelings, and actions of characters who are not like us to try to deepen our understanding of the whole human experience.
This is a fictional story told from Ellie's point of view. And, humans are sometimes unreliable narrators. We might remember how we felt and what we thought we heard, not always what was actually said. Maybe we have forgotten what it felt like to be a teenager juggling schoolwork, and friends, and sports, and activities, and lessons, and homework, and chores, and family, and jobs, and siblings, etc. And, teenagers do not have the benefit of years of experience learning from mistakes that we adults do, so they may not always appreciate our guidance or advice. This show offers a great opportunity to start a discussion about what is happening in our lives, to really listen to each other, pray together, and learn how we can help each other.
In addition, we appreciate your willingness to "suspend disbelief" during the show. This is a reminder that theatre is illusion. Events and effects are carefully choreographed to make sure you believe it happened, even when it didn't.
I encourage you to read the biographies of the actors and crew members. Many of them learned something during Freaky Friday, including "listen to your parents". I hope we can all listen to each other and help each other "Today and Ev'ry Day".
Finally, sometimes we don't know when someone is struggling, so please be kind. Mental health is important, so if you or someone you know is having a difficult time in any manner, please reach out for counsel.
The Diocese of Columbus lists several resources on their website for more information: Mental Health/Suicide Prevention - Catholic Diocese of Columbus (columbuscatholic.org)
ARTIST'S PRAYER
Father, you wired us to create, to dream and design, to innovate and invent, to lead with new ideas, to set the trends, and even blaze a new path. May we, through our artistic expressions, creatively communicate Your heart of love, mercy, and grace to a world that needs You. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to participate in Your divine plan. We pray that You breathe on our works of love. May they bless and bring vibrance to our community. We pray that our artistic expression would be filled with joy and welcome Your presence. May Your name be glorified in all creation. Amen.
