A note from the director,
If you had told me when I started with CSUSA ten years ago that I would be directing my 16th show here this year, I would have probably laughed in your face. This crazy journey started at RCSSL in 2015 with a crazy idea, Jill Todd, Mrs. Warren, some cardboard, and about 60 kids 5 - 14 years old.
We've come a long way since then, four junior musicals at RCSSL, four full-length musicals at RCSSL, four full-length musicals at TPHS, two murder-mysteries, and one 1-act musical. Between all of those shows we have seen over 650 students take bows between cast and stage crew.
Over the years we have had several alumni come back and support the program: on stage, back stage, and in the audience. It truly is a testament to the impact the arts has on us. Some special mentions from both our RCSSL and TPHS days:
Emilee Dickhart, our very first Mrs. Potts (back in 2015), was one of 6 women admitted into UCF's musical theatre program, and is now enjoying a great run of success performing with the Titusville Playhouse.
Liam Suhrie and Kayla Crespo both earned theatre scholarships through IRSC and are continuing their theatrical journeys.
Lucia Gomez, who started with me back at RCSSL in our production of Shrek, went on to be TPHS's first valedictorian, earned her Bright Futures Scholarship, and is now a Theatre Business major at the University of Florida.
Adrian Vargas, who, with Lucia, helped launch the program here at TPHS, graduated in the Top 20, earned a full-ride to Stetson University as a J. Ollie Edmunds Scholar, and is majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Theatre.
I could not be more proud of all of the students that have come through my program through the years. My hope for all of my "kids" is that no matter where life takes them, I want them to be able to look back at their time here and smile about the incredible things they were able to accomplish.
Speaking of accomplishments, and the impact the arts can have... I would be remiss not to mention our incredibly choregrapher, Sara Todd. Sara started with me as a 7th grader at RCSSL choreographing the dance to Gaston in Beauty and the Beast Jr., she went on to choregraph the entirety of The Little Mermaid Jr. as and 8th grader, The Lion King Jr. as a freshman in high school, Shrek as a sophomore, and Beauty and the Beast as a junior. She then went on to train at the Joffrey School in Texas, before being hired by U.S. International Ballet Company in NC as a principal dancer. Sara then returned home and jumped back in with me for Mary Poppins, Tick, Tick... Boom, Little Shop of Horrors, and Grease. We could not be happier to have her back!
I have to thank Mrs. Coburn and the TPHS administration for letting me do my thing. My family for all of their help (from construction, to making shirts, costumes, etc), Mrs. Warren for leading our young artists through this incredible set, Sara for the wonderful choreography, Lucy for always checking in on us from UF, Adrian for his input, expertise, and willingness to talk me off a ledge even from Stetson, and of course the families and friends who continue to support the students and this program. None of this is possible without all of you!
To my cast - Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Putting a show up in six weeks is no small feat, and I could not be more proud of you.
Aidan - I still cannot belive that you had not done any theatre prior to last year. I am grateful you found your way to us, and know you are only going to continue to grow.
Jayden L - You really hit the ground running. To think that you just found theatre a year ago, and to see where you are now is wild! I can't wait to see what the future holds for you.
Maya - You bring such an evergy and effervescence to every role that you tackle. You have brought Sally to life in a way that only you could. Thank you for always putting it all on the stage.
Jayden B - It is crazy to think that we have been working on shows together since 2016 (and that I've maintained some semblence of sanity throughout)! I am so impressed with who you have become as a performer, and am excited to finish this journey with you this year!
Skyler - It's hard to believe that you are the same person who auditioned for In the Heights. Thank you for always handling your roles with grace, and leading your cast with kindness.
Leo - My Carlos Brown... what can I say? The growth from last year to now has been staggering. It is proof that when you want something, and are willing to put in the work to acheive it, anything is possible. You have a dedication and a drive that is unmatched, and I am so excited for all the world has in store for you.
I am truly blessed to be able to do what I love every day. Enjoy the show!
