I am extremely proud of this year’s production, Beauty and The Beast. The quality of the cast, pit orchestra, stage crew and Port Theatre staff are outstanding. A truly successful production however, involves more than what is presented on stage. It should not only be an artistic learning experience, but a personal one as well. I’m especially proud of the collaboration, cooperation, mutual respect, the level of commitment, and the teamwork that has been demonstrated by everyone involved in this production. These students have put egos aside and discovered that whether they had one line, harmonies, or several lines and solos; were on or off the stage, that everyone shares equally in the pride and success of such an outstanding accomplishment.
I would like to extend my appreciation to the NDSS PAC and the Administration and office staff at Nanaimo District Secondary School, the elementary school principals and teachers who promoted and supported our special children’s matinee, Rick Becker and his outstanding members of the orchestra, who have given up their precious time and a leave from their jobs to support and be a part of this year’s NDSS musical team.
A heartfelt and special thank you to Doug Roszmann, who is one of the busiest individuals I know who volunteers and serves on many committees and singing groups and a promotor of performing arts in Nanaimo, Doug has built this unique program at NDSS alongside me. This program is better because of Doug. He constantly reminds me that this musical theatre program is about developing individuals and helping our youth build confidence through the development of performance skills. Much gratitude goes out to Barry Parker, our set wizard!
A huge thank you to Sarah Kielly, whom I have worked with over the last five years, both on and off the stage, to make this program a success. Sarah is committed and dedicated to building a vibrant performing community at our school, whilst attending VIU full time and working part-time. Ms. Dar Juan, thank you for working beside me and trying out a director’s hat this year. The students and I appreciate the experience you bring to rehearsal. Though Ms. Dar Juan works as an educator for SD 68 and Danceplay and is preparing to get married this summer, she has still managed to make time for our production, taking a leave from her jobs to support our production.
Thank you to every parent for supporting your child to attend extra curricular rehearsals. A special thank you to Janis Chung, who was instrumental in designing and making costumes and accessories for the cast and ensemble, and to Jennifer Herbison who took on the role of tailor, mender, and magician! We wouldn’t look as good without your commitment and volunteer hours spent in the theater. I appreciate the time and effort from Ocea Corfield, a graduating student who volunteered her time to assist Janis in making aprons for our cast and who worked on other areas to ensure the success of our production. We are grateful to Paula Richardson, who offered to generously volunteer her time. I am truly honoured to have so many volunteers offering their services, moving our sets, and assisting at The Port Theatre during our production.
Thank you to Lisa Eckert (set artist who designed the trees in our production), Roger Etherton, Brittany Carpenter and Nanaimo Theatre Group for arranging to donate the beautiful trees for our show. Thank you to I would like to extend our gratitude to Christine Cederberg Knight for her generous loan of props for our show and to Robinson Wilson and Alex Balinski for their expertise and skill as stage fight experts and choreographers.
Thank you to Willem Roelants for designing the rose that drops its petals. Thank you to Sally Smith from Brentwood College for loaning the Belle dress.
