NOTES from the DIRECTOR -
I love my family, and I love hearing stories about my ancestry. So I've always been moved by the themes in Lion King--self-discovery, responsibility, love, loss, and family.
When I applied for the license to produce this show, I didn't realize that the costumes and concepts were all copyrighted. This limitation sparked a surge of creativity and sent us toward reimagining the show with a steampunk slant--gears, cogs, machinery all working together in "the great circle of life." All of our concepts were orignal, and unto their own. With the collaboration of so many individuals, we were able to bring these visions to life. I couldn't have asked for a more creative, fun-loving production team!
This week, students gathered in their "prides" (Jungle Pride, Hyena Pride, Lion Pride), for the last time on stage. Each student was asked to put their name on the back of a puzzle piece. We discussed the importance of each piece in a puzzle, and how each student represented a significant piece in our production. After assembling the puzzle (which of course was a Lion King image), each student took a random piece of the puzzle to keep in their pocket. The name on the piece would be their secret buddy--someone they would look out for throughout our shows--to remind them that they are merely cogs in the machine, its takes a collective to ensure success--it's about their pride. I'm looking forward to the after-party, where each student will present an award to their buddy for a quality they appreciated seeing the most.
The success of the production relies on the connection of so many people working together toward a common goal. This is the reason I love teaching theatre. It's not only where the arts all collide (the visual arts, music, dance, drama) in front of a live audience, but it's also where people connect and learn to work as a team--as a pride.
I take a lot of pride in the great collaboration we've had in staging this production--Families coming together to build platforms and set pieces, building props, sewing costumes, selling tickets, organizing the program and concessions, and delivering pizzas to rehearsals! AND the incredible support of VIDA administration and teachers (music, dance, drama, tech theatre, visual art, photgraphy, and wearable technology classes)!
Our paths have all crossed at this special school, and my hope is that these students will remember---their connections to each other and what it feels like to be actively engaged in a good purpose. Remember who you are (LKJ, Act 2).
You are my pride. Thanks for sharing your piece in this experience with me!
Alyssa Allgaier
Director
NOTES from the PRESIDENT of the ACT-Attack DRAMA BOOSTER CLUB -
* Act Attack Booster Club members: Gaby, Linda, Anjie, Vicki, Esther, you have all worked so hard. Your knowledge, dedication and endless efforts as volunteers is not only generous but inspiring to all. Thank you for pushing forward!
* Thank you to all the volunteers that have stepped up to donate in so many ways to help make our fundraising efforts possible! So many parent volunteers that keep jumping in to help has made Act Attack Booster possible!
* Ms. Allgaier, Mr. Brumbaugh, Ms. Palmer, Ms.Cusey, Mrs. Buckner...WOW!! What a power team! It is a parent’s dream to have such dedicated role-models like you working with their kids. Thank you for working countless unpaid hours. It is not unnoticed.
* Thank you supportive VIDA staffulty.
* Lastly, thank-you to all the families, especially my own, who share their volunteers with VIDA Act Attack. We LOVE these amazing VIDA students and their many talents!
With Much Love,
Adela Sanchez Tabares
Act Attack President
