Last night I read a post in a Facebook group for high school theater directors that said, “There should be a support group for directors to reintegrate into society after a production.” And it’s true. In the lives of the directors, the two months prior to opening night simply evaporate. Free time? Nonexistent. Free brain space? Nope. But there’s something else nobody tells you before you direct a show: the way it takes over your heart. That’s why I’m going to let you in on a little secret. The second most directors begin to feel a show winding down, we prepare ourselves for the weird blend of relief paired with heartbreak of closing night. Our coping mechanism? Dreaming about next year’s show.
That’s why when about a year ago I shared with my fellow directors my desire to do Newsies this year, they all looked at me like I was absolutely insane. Us? Do Newsies? Our tiny school with no stage, a grand total of one student with substantial dance experience, and an abbreviated schedule due to an extension of basketball season? Do the most intense show we’ve ever attempted? Let’s just say they weren’t convinced.
“I know it sounds crazy,” my repeated rebuttal began, “but we have eighteen guys and six girls in the high school. They’re great singers and, well, they kind of did a waltz in Cinderella. If there is ever going to be a year for us to do Newsies, this is our year. I believe in them.”
They came around. Eventually. And I speak for all of us when I say that producing this show has been an absolute joy. Yes, it’s been a ton of work. Yes, there have been days when we didn’t know if we would make it. But the determination and drive of the young men and women involved in this production—who came ready to work hard and have fun every single day—made it worthwhile and will be evident in the show you see today.
The students are talented singers and have grown in (literal!) leaps and bounds as dancers and actors. But there’s much more happening behind the scenes. Here at CCS we are in the process of adopting five pillars—character traits that we want our students to grow in and exemplify: humility, integrity, devotion, courage, and wisdom. As their parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, and community, I want you to know that every one of those traits has been on display in the past seven weeks. Each student has been on an individual journey of growth in these areas, some needing more growth in one area than another, but each one on a journey handcrafted for them by their heavenly Father as they come to know and become more like Jesus.
He is why we do what we do. What a privilege it is to help your kids grow and glorify Him with the talents and abilities He has given.
As we say goodbye to Newsies (and say hello to . . . whatever’s next!), know that this show holds a special place in my heart—as do these kids. Thank you for sharing them and these special moments with us.
Gratefully,
Laura Elliott
