This year we wanted to bring live theater back to the Gibsonburg stage after our abrupt cancellation of last spring's “The Boy Friend,” by Sandy Wilson. This fall, in order to follow guidelines and keep students involved, we produced two radio plays and set them up for streaming in the month of December. We performed the written radio play: “A Christmas Carol”, and our students took a swing at script writing with the assistance of our production staff to write our own radio play: “What’s the Buzz?” Further, we utilized this time to bring in a series of clinicians and new techniques were taught that we could not normally fit in our busy season. When winter break rolled around, we were very excited when we were given the opportunity to present a live, staged show in the spring season.
As with each show we encountered difficulties, whether in production or performing, but in this show we had the added adjustment to our current situation with masks. In response, our students have definitely pushed themselves to be better than ever this year with this extra obstacle. These performers have stepped up and are bringing excitement and joy back to the stage after over a year's absence.
I would like to personally thank my husband for pushing himself and our building/painting crews to new designs and techniques. I think it’s really paid off! I would also like to thank Mrs. Burg for continuing to be part of our directing staff. Her attention this year was focused on all the new technology we are embracing and she has been instrumental in making this production a success!
We have also had some parents that have been key to our success. John Brink, Denny Hohlfelder, and Andy Kohler have worked many hours on both building and painting the set. Likewise, Bethany Widmer has been invaluable in her assistance in gaining advertisements for our program from the community at large.
I would be remiss if I didn't thank both sets of my own parents: Doug and Cindy Klein with their amazing help in sound production and the headshots of all of our students, and Royce and Betsy Kohman who have assisted in our set building process and sewing needs. Thank you to all that have helped in any way, it has never been too small!
Finally, I would like to thank our drama department seniors. Your additions to this department will not be forgotten: Megan Bowen, Philip Davies, Hannah Dearth, Nick Kohler, Sydney Leyerle, Ashley Mendoza, Delaney Seem, and Megan Widmer. Whether this is your first show, or your 10th show, you are all important in helping to make this show to be its very best!
I hope you enjoy our performance of the iconic show: “Schoolhouse Rock Live!”
