Directors’ Note
This program has come a long way in the past few years. We have an incredible new sound board and microphones; we have a state-of-the-art lighting lab made possible by an NEA grant and the generous work of Kenton Yeager and the graduate students at UTK that is training students for future tech careers in theatre; the complexity and quality of our shows has skyrocketed; and this only scratches the surface (we can't wait for our new speakers to arrive). All of these things are made possible by the hard work of our students, their parents/guardians, and the HVA community. We appreciate the time, money, effort, and love that has been poured into this program. You will undoubtedly see the fruits of that tonight. We hope that this show will give back some of what you've given to us. (And if you're looking to contribute to us, sponsor us, and/or work with us again or for the first time, we definitely have a list of future needs--starting with spotlights so that we can stop bugging Bearden for theirs. Contact us for more information!)
Our work on this particular production would not have been possible without the help of many people. Traci Lively has been with us forever, but it's always a joy to see what each show inspires in her choreography. This year's show lacks some of the technical demands of last year's tap-dancing Anything Goes, but I know you'll see how Traci refused to let the students off the hook with easy choreography this year. It's a fair bit spookier, a tad bit kookier, but just as challenging and exciting as her work always is. Special thanks as well to returning designer Steve Krempasky. I wonder every year how Mr. K, as he's affecitonately known around here, will top himself; every year he does. And more importantly to me, he puts so much of the work in the hands of the students. Teaching students to effectively use power tools and efficiently paint sets may be stressful for the adults, but it's infinitely rewarding for the students. Lastly, a sincere thank you to our student cast and crew and their parents; your hard work and enthusiasm have made directing this show a joy. We know how much work goes into these productions, but that work has created something transporting. Take a moment to take it all in. Let's do this!
Thank you,
John Sides & John McMeen
Special thanks to (in no particular order):
- Dr. Bianchi-Pennington for all of the things, every production, every year, but mostly for her constant support and friendship
- Rachel Beth Estep for her patience with all of my questions
- Mrs. Jacobs for saving us time and again with her sewing skills
- Nicole Flory, Katie Smoak, and Kristy Casey for helping us out with auditorium scheduling and what seemed a million maintenance requests
- Ashli Beeler and Jennifer Vacek for always helping us get in the building
- Brianne McCroskey for helping me figure out concessions
- HVA Band and Orchestra for use of their incredible musicians
- Mr. Brock for sound board training and assistance
- Mr. DiPillo for taking time to join the pit this year
- Claude Hardy down at Pellissippi State for helping us find lighting designers in our hour of need and for additional technical support
- The UT Music Dept. for orchestral support
- The Beckler, Carey, and Murphy families and Immanuel Church for food for the cast and crew during tech week
- Ms. Shands and Ms. Rodger for allowing us a place to sell concessions and the use of their photo background stand
- Elliott Norton for going above and beyond with the craziest assortment of tasks (making mic packs, altering costumes, creating a set change chart, the list goes on...)
- Mr. Eng for supplying us with all things creepy and the art students for helping us with props and with painting the rock
- Mrs. Baker for the tea cart and a wide assortment of other HVA staff members for helping supply umbrellas and other props
- Many talented parents and alumni (especially Mr. Bornhoeft, Mr. Rast, Mr. Carey, Mr. Hawkins, Jess Baker, and Will Locke) for helping out with a variety of tasks; you make this program what it is
- Mrs. Carey for helping with publicity and audience favors and concessions and so, so much more
- Bearden High School's Theatre department for lending us spotlights (again) and fog machines
- You!
