A Note from the Student Director:
Before Oz provides such a fresh perspective on creativity. Creativity is not just a trait, but a skill. Creativity takes work, dedication, and time. Creativity needs support, through your loved ones, through your family, through your friends, through your enemies.
It’s easy to be unreasonably hard on yourself when it feels everyone is finding their own paths and you’re falling behind, but there’s a beauty to this as well. How lucky we are to be surrounded by people who inspire us to be better. Everyone is going their own way, and that’s okay. All you can do is try your best, and look forward to not only the successes, but the failures as well. Don’t get stuck in a comfort zone; push the boundaries of your abilities.
While you watch Before Oz, I hope you find a moment that strengthens your creativity. This cast and team have worked tirelessly on this show; it has molded into a passion project with love in every aspect. I am so proud of the actors for their growth throughout this process and their maturity with the difficult topics this show exposes. I am forever grateful to Mr. Stephen Loewen and the rest of the team backstage for their welcoming presence as I familiarize myself with being off-stage. This experience is unforgettable, and these people are irreplaceable.
Enjoy the Show,
Adair Garcia
A Note from the Director:
Before Oz by Lauren Grove fell into my lap this summer, and through a series of events, it became our fall play (replacing a previously announced choice), and I am so thrilled that it did. From my very first reading through closing night and beyond, I will be amazed at how universal the experiences of L. Frank Baum are in this show. Having a passion or dream and being too nervous, scared, or stubborn to pursue it could describe so many chapters of my own life. The journey we have been on in creating this show has unlocked a new level of creative passion and helped me to commit to pursuing it…but that’s all I’m telling for now…
The journey into the show has been such a rush. We worked on every scene in order and delved into characters more thoroughly, and the students rose to and exceeded my expectations at every step. The theatre provided us with an escape, allowing us to explore and appreciate these different worldviews. This show reflects our society and highlights how all our decisions can have a significant impact, and that we never know what the future can hold; we only have to say yes. In this space, we got to explore joy, love, heartache, grief, fear, and joy, and I cherish the maturity of these students as they worked through each and every one of these emotions. The theatre is where I found belonging and where I hope my students feel safe to explore these emotions and express themselves.
These students continue to amaze me. Every day, they come face to face with a harsh reality and still manage to find the hope and goodness in the world. This fills me with hope for the future of our world. I would be remiss if I didn’t take this moment to recognize my student director, Adair Garcia, and thank her for her dedication to this work. Her passion, vision, and commitment to excellence came shining through in this process. The show, and all of us, are better for the privilege of working with her.
I appreciate the hard work and dedication from the over 60 students involved in this production on and off the stage. It has been a labor of love. We have worked hard and long hours to bring this show to life. We hope that you will sit back, enjoy the show, and leave with the creative inspiration to say yes and pursue your creative passion.
Enjoy the Show!
Stephen Loewen
