Director's Note
Pandemics separate people. Theatre brings them together. When people find ways to come together despite massive, seemingly insurmountable challenges, that is an example of the magic of theatre.
Last summer, I was sure we would not be able to produce a musical before we were back fully, and safely, in person. The technical and logistical challenges seemed too daunting. But as the year of Zooming wore on, I realized that we needed something to bring us together.
Amy Young and John Gilchrist -- both in their first year teaching choir and band in the district -- wanted to be involved. Monta Vista parent and costume designer extraordinaire Lynda Bayer reached out like a magical guardian angel to offer her expertise and extensive costume closet. Students showed up to audition. Two staff members, Mike White and John Gilchrist, agreed to participate as actors to fill out the cast. Students from all over campus volunteered to work on costumes, marketing, set, and video editing. The community was beginning to form.
We started the production process fully on Zoom. Later, as more people were vaccinated and on-campus pods became feasible, we scheduled a few precious afternoons to gather in person. Miraculously, over the course of four afternoons, we filmed nineteen musical numbers on stage -- most with no advanced rehearsal time. Occasionally, in the middle of filming, we would realize the need for an additional costume or new hair style or prop; Lynda always pulled something from thin air, and Amy (who also served as primary cinematographer) would resume filming five minutes later. Late into the evenings, after hours of on-stage filming, we would reconvene on Zoom to film the scenes. While all of this was going on, students individually recorded themselves singing and playing instruments. Amy and John spent weeks behind the scenes mixing each individual track together into a chorus.
Clearly, there were challenges. But love -- for theatre, for music, for each other -- is stronger, so we came together. And that’s exactly what our production, Bright Star, is about. When we are separate, we must “lift th[e] veil of darkness,” in the words of Jimmy Ray, and find our way back to one another. On this Mother’s Day weekend, as we vaccinate our way back to togetherness, I hope you enjoy this story of family, love, and overcoming challenges to reunite.
Sincerely,
Hannah Gould
Monta Vista Theatre Arts Teacher
