Dear Avalon Family,
Well now, this is the strangest playbill I can remember making in my past 10 years of being a director. If you had told me last February that my fall shows would be streamed, fully virtual, I would have scoffed. The idea seemed crazy because of how the Theatre world worked 6 months ago. A lot of things have changed, Theatre included. It's mind-blowing when you try to sit down and grasp it.
Performing a virtual show is a whole new process. Last March, I really wasn't sure HOW it was possible. But, over the last 6 months, and directing 4 virtual shows, I can say it's weird but possible.
In the Theatre world, there are always a lot of hoops to jump through. The pandemic has certainly increased those hoops for both my students and myself, but I am especially proud of the way my students have risen to the occasion and changed their mindset in order to perform in new ways. It's been a heart-warming process and I am so excited for you to see their hard work and dedication. Directing for virtual shows is more like directing a film. We talk shots instead of blocking. We talk lighting, pauses, camera angles, and editing instead of stage movement, projection, sightlines and entrances/exits. While we miss traditional Theatre, this process has been eye-opening for my students and I am so glad we got to try something new!
This adventure would not have been possible without my support system of cheerleader parents, especially my booster team, who has said "yes, let's do it. Let's try it" to my administration who have encouraged me to think outside the box and said "yes" to as much as they could. To my students who have stayed flexible, open-minded, and hopeful and to our community who support in financial and emotional ways. To my family, who have listened to me cry, rattle on, and try to figure out how to make this work. To my friend and co-conspirator, Sarah Anderson, who has taught me more about technology than I ever could have thought possible. To Jake, who has had to deal with me directing, sometimes late at night, from our guest bedroom almost every night or who watched me cry when wevideo didn't save something I spent 4 hours on. Sorry about that Jake. This entire last 6 months has been made of pure teamwork, and I am grateful.
I hope tonight's shows bring you some laughter in these intense times. Thank you for your support.
All the best,
Nicki Cabaniss, Director
