Director's Words:
At every turn, it seems, I hear people bemoan the fact that the arts are being removed from our nation's schools. It is time we all stand together and place a high value on the arts, not only in our schools, but in the larger community and especially in our homes. Movies have replaced "going to the theatre" and I think we all miss out when live theatre is absent.
In my years as a coach, teacher, and parent I have seen many time over the positive result of a theatrical stage experience. It changes lives like no other human pursuit. I ask you to look at the faces of our young people tonight. The joy on their face is the true person coming out. Too often in middle school that joy remains hidden. Let's all celebrate together what these young people have done by pledging to keep it going for future Leman middle schoolers.
My dream for Leman Academy is that musical theatre would play an important part in bringing fun into a teen's life. As Dr. Kevin Leman has said, "I know it's work, but let's have fun doing it!" This past year, we began to put in place the building blocks that will bring years of fun to Leman Academy.
It could not have happened without parent help (too numerous to mention), and the help of the Leman faculty and administration. Leman teachers, Mr. Francis Lennartz and Ms. Kassie Sasser, played an important part as we worked as a team of teachers. Finally, Mr. Joe Higgins and the Leman business office went to great financial ends to help bring Annie Jr. to stage.
Thomas Moser
This is what being in Annie Jr. has meant to a few of our cast.
Genea (Mrs. Greer) "The reason I wanted to do musical theatre was because I have never acted before in my entire life. It has helped me in a way, before I was scared to sing in front of people. I was very scared and thought my voice sounded horrible, but now, I feel as if I belong to musical theatre."
Amalie (Grace) "Being in musical theatre has given me confidence in my singing, dancing and acting. It gives me something to look forward to at the end of the day and gives me a chance to take a break from school and homework and just have fun!"
Morgan (Orphan) "Musical theatre has been a great addition to our school year and I really enjoyed it. Being a part of a club like this has really taught me how to act and sing in a play with a group of people. I never knew how theatre worked until you worked with us on the scenes one by one."
Ethan (Rooster) "It (musical theatre) teachers you to work together on a team and act. It is fun!"
Sophie (Lily) "Musical Theatre is so much fun as you work and act next to some of your best friends. You get to know people better. You make great friends. It's awesome."
Whitney (Orphan) "Musical theater has been and done so much for me. It has really helped me to grow in my confidence and make unlikely friends. Mr Moser has done amazing things with this show, and I am so happy to be a part of it!!
