Hi there!
My name is Kira Simmons (your kids know me as Sims), and I’m so excited to welcome you to “Our Town!” It’s incredible to think that a decade ago, I was a senior in this very high school theatre department. Now, I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to work with, teach, and learn from all your amazing students!
The play “Our Town,” explores the cyclical nature of humanity through the lens of a play. You will see a minimal set, actors pantomiming their movements where they would typically have props (our mothers onstage have their work cut out for them in their invisible kitchens, let me tell you!), and an omniscient Stage Manager who stays to witness and guide us through this journey.
There’s no pretense or spectacle, just good old-fashioned storytelling. It is a play about community and human connection, which I would say coincides with the beauty of theatre itself.
A couple of quick thank yous-
I want to thank the incredible Avalon team, Nichole Shepherd, Molly Harper, and Sarah Anderson for all their phenomenal help and work in this project (and to always be an excited participant in artsy brainstorms and ramblings).
Thank you to the LCPS Visual and Performing Arts Department for supporting and advocating for theatre programs all across the county. The skills these students learn from access to programs like these are invaluable, and we’re grateful for all their hard work you do to make this possible.
I want to thank the students for their dedication to the show and to each other. The ensemble they have built together is truly something special. You all are cared for and appreciated more than you know!
Thank you to the John Champe High School administration, as well as custodial and security teams for your exceptional support of this program.
Finally, I want to thank you, the audience for coming out and supporting theatre education in your community! You are just as much a part of this show as we are, and we can’t express our gratitude enough.
Thank you again and enjoy the show!
