Director's Notes Annie Jr.
I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to direct this production! Annie has been around since the "Little Orphan Annie" cartoon strip was created by Harold Gray in 1924. Whether we are all familiar with the story from its several film adaptations or the Broadway musical, the classic story of the little red-headed orphan and her heartfelt songs have become part of our American culture. I am so proud of the hard work of all the cast and crew members in this show. Each of these students has been a pleasure to direct, and they have done a wonderful job of bringing this story to life. This show holds the test of time because in today's world we could all use a dose of Annie's optimism and hopefulness. I'm sure you will go home with a smile on your face (because you're never fully dressed without one) and humming "Tomorrow." My thank you's go to those who have spent countless hours spent on the success of this production: Kayce Green, Kristen DiPasquale, Kevin Durham, Nicole Arnold, Elizabeth Sheehan, Alan Binkley, Nikki Parks, Kathy Gupton . . . -Trisha McWright
Director's Notes The Shape of the Grave
As a theater director for young people my main focus has typically been to find a script that will entertain an audience while providing theatrical experiences that highlight the emerging talents of my students. When I came upon The Shape of the Grave, I knew I wanted to direct it. But it is not my intent to entertain the audiences who experience this piece of art. I hope you are pulled from the distractions from your immediate life to consider the “the troubles” that ravaged our characters and their historical counterparts for hundreds of years. If we can cause you to catch your breath, shed a tear or even wrinkle a brow in confusion, we can encourage discussions to occur. There is not a place on this earth where humans do not mistreat one another and seek violence as means to various ends. If we can achieve empathy by putting ourselves inside someone else’s experience then perhaps we can avoid the repetition of acts of hatred against others who may not look like, sound like or worship like we do. I have been humbled by the opportunities that have presented themselves for our cast to dig deep into the humanity of this story; we have studied the nuances of the northern irish accent with the illustrious Jill Massie; the students heard Irish native Michael O’Leary speak of his hero, the “big man”, Michael Collins, who achieved the freedom of the southern counties that became the republic of Ireland and former U.S. Marine Jordan Pritchard shared his insights of experiencing explosions and danger in a foreign conflict. Our students were even able to Facetime with the playwright, Laura Lundgren Smith and ask her questions about the characters as well as her intent and purpose in writing this piece. I am so proud of each of my actors. They have stretched deep and wide to bring you these performances. I must thank my fabulous team Nécole Elizer and Kathy Gupton for their friendship, dedication and the graciousness with which they have served our cast. Thank you to Kayce Green for encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone with this show. Always to my family, thank you for allowing me to pursue my love of theatre and supporting me in all the ways you do each day.-Nicole Arnold
