I must confess...I was never a SpongeBob fan. I know, it's hard to hear for some of you, but it's true. I drug my feet on this one because I wasn't sure how I'd be able to listen to SpongeBob for 8 weeks of rehearsals when I wouldn't even let my two daughters watch an episode growing up! When my choreographer, Jessica, suggested it SEVERAL times...I always came up with an excuse, but here we are and I couldn't be happier with how things have turned out. This cast and crew have truly embodied the Bikini Bottom spirit...pitching in during class, after school, on weekends and any time in between! They have used so much creativity to bring this show to life! The vision was to transform the theatre into Bikini Bottom and hope that our audience would feel completely immersed. I have to believe as you look around, you would agree that is surely the case. Everyone has something they bring to the team...some have the brains, some the brawn and some...management skills. ;) On that stage you will see actors, scholars, musicians, artists, crafters, seamstresses, creative minds, organizers, SpongeBob fans, dancers, vocalists, and so much more. Each rehearsal before we began, I let our cast and crew know that..."We are better when you are here"...and that rings true with you, our audience as well. So sit back and enjoy the show...and even if you aren't a SpongBob fan yet, I hope we convince you to be one in the end.
-V
Special Thanks:
Dream Team: This year you gave me not one, but two opprotunities to work with you and I loved every minute of it! Thank you for always being open to new ideas and pushing me to be open to them as well. Your joy and enthusiasm with this show and these students shines through with each rehearsal/performance. No one has a better team. You are generous with your genius...and I am grateful...always.
My family: This has been one of those shows where you don't have to ask where I am or when I'll be home, because you know the answer...at the theatre and don't wait up. Thank you for allowing me to be passionate about theatre and listening to all the small details that make every day interesting. Here's to spring break and pedicures, shopping and leisurely meals. i love you!
To the cast: You are gifted beyond measure in so many ways. When you go out on that stage, remember that. Thank you for your dedication to this space and these people. Now go out there and have a blast...your enthusiasm is infectious...fill the room with it! You are incredible!
To the crew: People always tend to forget the magic that is made behind the scenes but no one can deny what you are doing with this show. Thank you for your endless creativity and for knowing what the true joy of pool noodles, bendy straws, spray foam, and plastic table cloths can be. You guys are awesome!
To the parents of cast and crew: Thank you for allowing me the privilege of working with your kids. They are an amazing group! I value you as part of this team and thank you for all the sacrifices you make during rehearsals/show time. Thank you for sending them with ticket orders, finding costume pieces, allowing them to come to a work day on a weekend for longer than you thought and knowing that having a theatre kid is pretty awesome!
Last but not least...To my seniors: You already know this is a hard note to write...which is why it's taken me so long to finish the program. I wasn't sure just what to say after all that we have been through. Most of you have been with me since your freshman year. I have watched you grow and develop into amazing actors and even better humans. You are courageous and resilient. You make me proud to be your teacher and director. You will always be "that group" of kids to me...the ones I can depend on...who show up...and do the work, becasue when you get knocked down you know how to get back up. So squeeze all the good out of these last moments on stage and although this may be your final show at THS, I hope a piece of your heart will always stay on that stage. You are truly unforgettable.
