Although I joined Act V Productions in my junior year, I knew that this club was going to end up meaning the world to me. Last year, when director applications were due for this season's shows, I decided not to put my application in because I thought I would never be able to balance directing a musical with student teaching. However, my passion for Act V won out whenever the director's position for this year's musical opened up. I took a chance, and I have never been happier that I did. (Although I would not actively recommend student teaching and directing a musical unless you 1. work well under pressure and 2. love getting no sleep.)
Regardless, there have been many good times, and many, many stressful ones, as there are with any show, but I cannot express the happiness I feel when these talented cast members walk onto the stage. The chemistry this cast has is incredible, and the production staff could not have been blessed with a better cast. Ever since our first read-through, we've seen how perfect this cast is, and that has never changed. I'd like to thank each of them for always sticking with us, even when things became difficult and it looked like this show was never actually going to come together. It did, guys! We did it!
I could not have ever put this production on without the amazing people I have supporting me. Everyone on this production staff has put their heart and soul into this musical, and I could not have asked for more. I'd especially like to thank Breann, my assistant director, for always being my better half. Although there were days we wanted to kill each other, there was never a day I regretted hiring you as my assistant director. You're an amazing person, and I am so glad to have you. I would also like to thank Nic and Kim, because without them this show would not be a musical. This is the first time in a long time we've had an acting/singing/dancing musical, and all four of us have made Act V history. Thank you!
To my stage managers, Tristan and Katie, you both have done amazing work for your first time stage managing a show. Know that, no matter how many times I yelled (or cried), this production would not be on stage today without you.
I'd also like to thank this year's and last year's Act V Productions executive board for giving me this opportunity and trusting me with this responsibility. It was difficult, but we brought it all together and made this fantastic show together. I thank you all for your support and for your love of Act V.
I would, lastly (but definitely not least), like to thank Elizabeth Yoder for her undying support of me and this production. Beth, you are an amazing technical director and I am so blessed to be able to work with you. You've helped make this show an amazing one, and I will never fully be able to repay you for that. Thank you for your support, late nights, and heart-to-hearts (although there were never juice boxes), and thank you for never taking me too seriously when I said I was going to quit. There is no one else I would rather share my success with than you.
To the audience, thank you all for coming. Without all of you, we'd be performing to empty seats! Thank you for supporting the arts, Act V Productions, and the talented people you will see performing in The Addams Family. Now, sit back, relax and welcome to the family! We'll leave the light off for you.
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Samantha New
Director - The Addams Family Musical
