“Love is an Open Door”
The theme of this show. The theme of theatre. When receiving information about this contest, I was ecstatic, hopeful, and realistic. Going into this contest, I understood that I would be one of many other applicants who are continuously creating a safe, fun, and educational space through the performing arts. What I also understood is that I am someone who continues to encourage students to be themselves, and support them so they feel comfortable and open with themselves on and off stage; so they feel the acceptance through theatre and hopefully can carry it with them in their daily lives. I am so humbled, honored, and grateful to be a part of this message and contest.
Theatre was my safe place growing up. It didn’t matter if I was rehearsing at my school, a community theatre, or a workshop- I felt “at home”. It is the only place that although you are “up against” others for roles, you are “with” one another as a whole cast through the entire process. This is the feeling I am so passionate about creating for youth and teens.
I wanted to take this opportunity to "let light and love" guide this process. This meant I wanted to include as many students as possible in as many different ways. I wanted to have a theatre for young audiences experience where the high school students clearly portray the characters for their peers, but also for the local community of younger children. Bringing students together to collaborate and help the younger generation feel the love and acceptance theatre gives us.
Because of the auditioning/judging nature, for a long time, students felt they were not worthy of the stage and not versatile enough. As a director, I strive to ensure everyone feels they are part of theatre in any way they want and that the theatre community is one you should always feel welcome to be a part of. I have high expectations of the individuals involved in any show, while still creating an environment where they can learn, have room for growth, have the ability to try something new, and gain confidence.
This process has been more than I ever imagined. There are a ton of elements of magic that theatre creates, and this show has taken so many people to accomplish it. I am so grateful for the support from the production team, my friends, my family, the local theatres, and the cast. This has been the most difficult, rewarding, inspirational, exciting, and emotional piece.
Disney's Frozen has had a special place in my heart since 2013, and on it's ten year anniversary of the movie, I am honored to have these students bring it to the stage. The meaning of an act of true love between two sisters and having a woman with fear of her power be able to harness it, could not resonate with me more. I hope you can feel the love and the magic in your hearts and spirits when you leave this performance.
"For the First Time in Forever" we present the Maine High School Premiere Production of Frozen; so please sit back, enjoy, and "Let it Go!"
Kindly,
Bianca
