Special Thanks
Special thanks goes to Jennifer Holthaus and Spotlight Youth Productions for the loaning of costumes for our Peter Pan Jr. production. Information regarding their production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr. can be found at http://www.spotlightyouthproductions.com/.
Special thanks also goes to those who contributed to our new lights and projection system through tax credits and/or donations. The Leman Academy of Excellence District is so supportive of our efforts, demonstrating a strong commitment to the arts. Thank you! Thank you!
A Word From the Director
Middle school is a time of tremendous change in young people. To find ones true self and take joy in that discovery is where theatre can play an important role. The 100 plus members of the Leman Academy Musical Theatre Club have stepped out to take risks beyond what many thought possible. Please take the time to encourage the tech crew and stage performers after the show.
I am sometimes asked as a veteran teacher what is the greatest need in education today. My answer would be to engage the bored and encourage the already motivated. Sadly, many young people across the country are not engaged in their learning and many are left without encouragement. Millions of dollars can be spent on education, but without addressing the boredom and discouragement crisis, it can miss its mark.
A letter written by a former cast member's parent hits the mark. "On his best days, he's a goof ball, with not so great timing. On his worst days, he's full of anxiety and is unable to express himself. He joined musical theatre with the intent to help with lights. What he ended up with was more time with a teacher he respects and who gave him a reason to want to be at school. Mornings are the hardest, but when he knew it was musical theatre day, he got ready and gladly went to school.
Musical theatre is not just for the "theatre geeks" but for everyone. One of the hottest trends in silicon valley are improv classes for executives. Executives, who want to climb the corporate ladder, realize that thinking "out of the box" is a career enhancing skill. The reason this show is triple casted is that the demand from Leman scholars is so high. They will look back on their middle school days and always remember, "I was in Peter Pan Jr."
This show has been a team effort. I could not have done it without the help of the individuals credited on the billing page. The list of help is far larger than those individuals, however. On behalf of the entire team it has been a pleasure to serve the 100 plus scholars. The night belongs to the scholars who will amaze you!
