A Note From the Director:
To be honest, I am not sure where to begin. To say I am proud of this cast and crew, would be a complete understatement. They have taken my vision and direction, and brought this vibrant and raw show to life. I am beyond grateful to have each and every performer that is on stage tonight, being a part of this production.
Spring Awakening is such a heavy show, that it took several years of me contemplating directing this show, to actually finally decide to go for it. I also made the choice to cast the show as close to the ages of the characters portrayed as possible. This particular show is about teens dealing with several hard-issues, and I find that this is very relevant today. I am so proud of the level of maturity and professionalism of our cast members that help to break down the walls on some of these socially taboo topics.
I am certain that you'll experience a roller-coaster of emotions with this performance. You'll fall in love with the characters, become personally invested in their story, and feel their joy and sorrow right there with them. I wanted this to be an immersive experience where you forget that you're sitting in the audience, and the actors are on stage - but rather you are submerged into this show and right there with them.
It is likely at one point or another, there will be uncomfortable themes or scenes that arise. Please know that we have included information on resources for where you can get help - should this bring up something that is affecting you personally. Parents, talk to your kids about this show - we encourage the conversation. That is a main reason the cast is standing up there today, to help provide an outlet for conversation. Teens, talk to your parents. If you need a help or a safe space, please reach out to one of the sources highlighted in this playbill.
I can not thank you enough for coming out to support the art by seeing our production of Spring Awakening. This has been nothing short of a dream come true, to have such an incredibly talented group to work with, and to finally take the leap and produce this show. This is more than a cast, this is a family.
Please, prepare yourselves for what you're about to see. You will laugh, you will cry, you will be challenged, and you will be moved. To me, theatre should not always be rainbows and unicorns, there is beauty in the darkness as well - you just have to be willing to see the light.
Hats off to my amazingly talented Spring Family - break a leg! ENJOY THE SHOW!
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Director Personal Thank-You's:
Thanks to all the parents of cast members that put up with my changing schedule times, extra calls, crazy ideas, and general shenannigans. I know your child wouldn't be in the show without your support, and for that, I am super grateful.
Thank you to Chris, who volunteered to be our Musical Director (and by volunteered, I totally asked him after he had already been doing the job for over a month). The cast sounds great - because of you!
Thanks to the cast - for more than I could ever put into words.
Thanks to my parents, Carol and Sam Shufelt, for their undying love, support, and encouragement. I am here today, doing what I love to do, largely because they are constantly cheering me on.
Thanks to my incredible fiance, Ben, who puts up with A LOT. He has also constantly lifted me up, and encouraged me through this process. I hit the jackpot. I CAN'T WAIT TO BE YOUR WIFE! <3
Thanks to all the parent and cast member volunteers who helped to pull this all together - it wouldn't have happened without your support!
