A Note from Mr. Shafer...
"Don't be fooled by the face I wear, for I wear a thousand masks,
and none of them are me.
Don't be fooled, for God's sake don't be fooled.
Who am I, you may wonder.
I am every man you meet, and also every woman that you meet,
and I am you, also." (Masks, Author Unknown)
I have challenged myself with this show to think, "What is it about?" On the surface, this show is about a young man who takes on the world and swindles many out of millions of dollars. Looking deepr, this show is about 'the masks we wear', self-awareness, and self-acceptance. We all wear masks at some time in our lives. That's a part of our human nature. The problem arises when wearing that mask causes us to lose ourselves in trying to please others. I hope you enjoy this wonderful piece of theatre beucase of the familiar story and the fantastic music, but most of all, I hope that it allows you the opportunity to reflect on yourself, those around you, and how we all can help each other to be our most authentic selves.
I want to give a huge thank you to...
The Cast and Crew: Without all of you this isn't even possible. I appreciate your flexibility with the rehearsal schedule and your ability to overcome obstacles in your way. This isn't an easy thing do to and you handle it with maturity far beyond your years of experience.
Parents: Without you, the show really isn't possible, either. From all the meals and items provided to all the things that you do I'm sure I don't see; thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you for the privilege to work with your child and allowing them to be ours for just a little while.
Administration: Thank you for your support of the perfomring arts and taking time out of your very busy schedules to come and support these talented students!
Audra Rittenhouse: Thank you for your time and talent in developing and teaching the choreography. This show is HUGE and I asked you to do a lot. Through adversity, you found a way to make it work and I know that you are such a bright, shining light for the kids. They love to work with you and you have certainly made an impact.
Patty Seymour: A HUGE 'thank you' to you! You are so great to work with! Even though you couldn't be here this week for costumes, your support was still felt and very much appreciated!
Dennis, Reese, & Ryder Walters: Thank you for building the set! I am always impressed with the talent and skill of people who can help build the ideas that I scratch down on paper. Thank you for your time and willingess to make this happen.
Shyanne Scott: Thank you for putting in the time and effort to procure all the props. It's a hard job and one that is often overlooked by many. Thank you for being willing to stick around help even when it's hard. You are an important part of our team.
My Seniors: I've had the opportunity to work with many of you for five or six years. It has been one of the greatest privleges of my teaching career to watch you grow into the perfomers that you have become. I hope that you will stay in touch or even come back and see us! It will be hard to see you go and you will be missed!
Last, but certainly not least, Natalee Hessler: I never have all the words for this one. You entered my life in a time when I needed someone the most and we were fast friends. Developing this program with you has been a journey - long and hard at times, but always with great reward in the end in seeing the final product. Thank you for the time and sacrfices you have made for me, the students, and our program. It wouldn't be the same without you.
