Director's Note
This concludes my fourth year at Del City! This year has definitely been a challenge, to say the least. But these young people have made it seem easy. I am constantly impressed by my students and their ability to adapt and overcome whatever situation they are presented from virtual learning days to rehearsing hallways. These kids are champions of being flexible and making the best of it. This play has definitely been the most challenging production that I have encountered in my entire directing career. From staging to sound production, this show has a life of its own. I have always loved the Harry Potter book series, I was eleven when the first book came out, and I grew up with Harry as he had his adventures. This show helped remind me of how much the series meant to me and what powerful lessons one can gain from reading it. PUFFS, however, teaches a different story, one that shows us how even the most mundane characters can do amazing things. Now whether you're a staunch Ravenclaw, the cunningest Slytherin, or the Bravest Gryffindor each of us in our own way is a Puff. Maybe it's times we immediately misplace something we just sat down or to losing the tv remote, only to discover, you've been holding it this whole time. Puffs are loyal and kind as well, those are two qualities that I believe we need to see more of in the world. So CONGRATS! You're a PUFF! HIIIIII!
This show is bittersweet for me as well. I am graduating my first group of Freshmen. Several of these young people have been in my program for four amazing years. From Victorian England to Putnam County and finally, to Hogwarts they have been with me the whole way. To Lily, Alex, Carlee, Damarrius, Kaitlynn, Matthew, thank you for walking this far with me. It hurts to watch you take your final bows this weekend but I know that you will all do amazing things. To my other seniors, thank you as well for coming to this program when you did. We are better because of you! To the rest of the Cast and Crew, you have an amazing show! Each of you has blessed this production with your talents. I am so excited about the adventures that we have yet to take together! I love each one of your very much. This weekend is for you all. As I say every night at pre-show circle, "The World waits for you". Go out there and Break all the legs!
