Orphan Trains Director's Note
The Orphan Train movement is a part of American history that isn’t often discussed. During the 1850’s, the rate of homeless children in big cities was rapidly increasing, and to help ease the problem, orphans were put on trains and sent out west to find homes. Orphan Trains follows the movement’s 75 year history through real-life accounts of Orphan Train riders. Not only has it been a pleasure getting to know and work with the cast members, but it’s been exciting to learn more about this part of history with them.
An enormous “thank you” goes out to the Carters for inviting me back to direct. They are truly the foundation upon which Dunbar’s exceptional theatre program is built, and without them, none of what you see here would be possible. They made such an impact on me when I attended Dunbar years ago, and I know from personal experience how lucky their students are to have them as mentors and teachers.
I hope you enjoy the show! Be sure to check out Bye Bye Birdie later this spring!
Austin Journey
DMS Class of 2003
Perfect Director’s Note
We all struggle to accept the person we see in the mirror. Whether it’s to look taller or skinnier, have more money or different friends, we all have an image of what “perfect” looks like. This ideal is not only unattainable but can be very damaging, especially when we allow the image we’ve created to take over for us. As Bethany journeys through childhood, she confronts situations that question her idea of perfection. Through a series of vignettes, we see how Bethany spirals further and further down when she redefines herself to match what she believes is “perfect”. In the end, she must look in the mirror and embrace herself as she is.
It has been a true privilege to be invited back to the stage I performed on 20 years ago. I am thrilled to work once again with dear friends and mentors, the Carters. Dunbar Theatre is an organization that is dear to my heart and these students have impressed me with the level of talent, work ethic, and enthusiasm. It is my hope to see Dunbar Theatre to continue to be the high quality, award winning program and a beacon for those who seek arts education within the public schools. Thank you to all who have supported this production and DTC.
Erin Foreman
DMS Class of 1997
