Director's Notes
Once again, I am humbled by the incredible amount of support I've recieved from the administration at Ross Sheppard. Under the guidance of Stacy Fysh, our dynamic and multi-talented assitant principal, I've been able to expand the opportunities in the Drama program and collaborate with professional artists such as Randy Mueller and Meaghan McKale. I am also thilled to have Jamie O'Dell, a recent graduate from the technical theatre program at Grant MacEwan, as our technical director. It is with the expertise of these professionals that I am able to present Bye Bye Birdie in the Westbury for you tonight.
I am also excited to be sharing this beautiful space with the amazing fine arts teachers who have come together to showcase the multitude of artistic talent we have at Shep. Special thanks to Hendrik Wolmarans, head of Fine Arts for facilitating the Fine Arts Exravaganza and for his continuous support of the drama program. Also a big thanks to Lance Burns for faciliatiing the Bye Bye Birdie photography and to Ursula Lowe for facilitating the poster and ticket design.
There is a an incredible energy each morning as the students join Mr. Paulitsch in saying "We are Shep!" - our school motto which celebrates team spirit. That spirit is echoed in the ensemble of Bye Bye Birdie. I am so incredibally proud of the cast and crew and how they have embraced the 1960's era by breathing life into the set, costumes and characters. Their energy shines like the bright colors in Bye Bye Birdie as they continue to make me laugh and smile. They've "got a lot of livin to do," and I'm honoured to be a part of their journey.
I would also like to thank the families and loved ones of our cast and crew. Without your support, this would not have been possible.
Enjoy the show!
Kristen Forsyth
