NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome to Reading High School and to our performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. We are so glad to be on stage performing for you. We have worked hard over the past eight weeks to create a fun and interesting little musical.
We set up our fall play as a workshop production this school year. We advertised to students, "who wants to be in a show?" Those who came to the group spent our first week together doing improvisation and other acting, singing, and movement activities as well as learning about theatre and each other. From there we decided that our play should be this quirky little musical. Two months later we have arrived grateful at what we've learned and excited to perform for an audience.
The ... Spelling Bee is a story about the misfits who are finding a place to belong. We share in the triumphs and the heartbreak that happen when one wants something so much. But it's the discovery of self-esteem that we champion at the Bee. The hard work and care we put into ourselves and others allows us to grow and find our people. We hope find some laughs and take away a joyful sense of belonging.
Finally, a truly successful production involves more than what is presented onstage. We would not have gotten to this point if it wasn't for the cooperation, respect, commitment, and teamwork, of the students, their parents, our faculty/staff/administrators, the RSD central administration, and the Reading community. It amazes me that in spite of everything happening around us we are still able to put on a show like this. It thrills me even more that you are here sitting in the audience tonight. I hope you enjoy our show and I hope you will continue to support the arts in our schools.
Sincerely,
Joseph S. Smith
Director, Reading High Music Theatre
