Dear Avalon Family,
How in the world have we completed another season here at Avalon! It's been 10 years since I first step foot on our stage and imagined the years of shows performed here and yet it feels like a blink. I am so incredibly thankful for this community and the magic we have been able to create this last decade.
Spongebob the Musical may feel like an odd choice for the people of Broadway to create, and as someone who grew up knowing the show, but never really watching it, I remembered my reaction to hearing it was to be a musical. It went something like "REALLY?!" and "Why?" But, this little gem was a beautiful blend of cartoon and music bringing forth an exciting and touching story to the Broadway stage that was nominated for many tony awards. I was so excited when the license was released to high schools and excited for when we had the right cast to make it happen. And this group is for sure the group! They are quirky, fun, outgoing and have an excellent sense of timing. I sincerely hope you enjoy their performance on stage!
As always, there is an army of people to thank for helping get this production where it is now. Thank you to my amazing Assistant Director/Artistic Director, Sarah Anderson who came to watch productions and give notes and who helped block, character work and in general "pixie dust" this beautiful show, organized spirit buddies and in general, helped keep us sane. Your choreography is such a blessing to have in this production! Thank you to our Technical Director, Molly Harper, who I am more than blessed to have in my life. You make actual magic! Thank you to Steve Carroll, who we welcomed back to our stage this Fall as our Assistant Tech Director. We're so glad you decided to come back to us even after the rollarcoaster of graduating your twins. I am glad to have your hairbrained schemes rattling through this place once again. Thanks to my fabalous musical director, Melanie Robison, who took on this beast of a show to help our kids sing and have fun at the same time! Thanks to Adam Foreman, our Pit Director for being ok going along with our silly plans and giving us the music behind our voices. We are so grateful for your talent. Thanks to Jai Haines for deciding to come back and choreograph and train us on aerial silks. You helped keep us safe while we learned to fly! Thank you to the many theatre teachers and programs who advocated for many years to have funding for Theatre staff and the School Board for choosing to make it a reality. For most of my years at Champe, it was me, doing the jobs of 12 people and managing sometimes over 100 kids. Having a staff this year has changed my life and the lives of my kids in ways too numerous to count. Thank you to my Theatre Boosters for helping to revitalize this program and make it even better. Thank you to our Fine Arts Team and all their work helping make realities happen for kids in our programs. Thank you to our admin team for allowing us to do theatre and put up with all our weird requests. Thank you to my bookkeeper (for putting all those orders in). Thank you to our fine arts admin for continuing to push forward despite amazing obstacles. Thank you to my amazing family, especially my husband who I managed to marry in the midst of running seven shows this year. I can't believe you decided to be the official Theatre "Dad" even when they attack you anytime you set foot on campus. Thank you to our patrons for their financial support and finally, thank you to you. Without an audience, there is no show. Thanks for coming back and filling seats.
Sincerely,
Nicki Shepherd, Lead Director
