playbill vip

I have written quite a few of these messages over the years and one thing remains constant; how does one cram so many thoughts into such a small space.  That has never been an easy task and it certainly is not for this show.  As a theatre lover, Annie never was a show I was super passionate about.  It has a great theme, my family absolutely loves the story, and audiences cannot get enough of it.  As I pondered what show would be the best at reintroducing musical theatre to the Western Community, it quickly became clear Annie was the only option.  

In the fall, I was challenged with the sentiment "Western doesn't do musicals."  I was astounded by that.  It never dawned on me that some schools do not produce musicals.  Everywhere I have worked, it was part of the yearly routine.  I had a different show in mind entirely at the time and for unrelated reasons, had to shelve it.  As I worked through my options, this was the show that kept coming back to the forefront.  Its message of hope, determination, and resilience fit perfectly with the times our students are living in now.  

I also learned life lessons as the show came together.  Thus, the one thing I gained from this show was a sense of satisfaction in my cast and crew.  You will notice most of the cast are middle and elementary school students.  My high school students filled in the leadership positions.  Molly is currently in the director's booth running the whole show.  Jovi, who plays Grace in this show, acted as my music director and choreographer.  Other high school students are filling pivotal backstage roles.  I could not have pulled this show off without them and sadly, most of them are graduating in a few weeks.  The middle and elementary cast members are the future of this program.  As we rebuild this program to its once-lived glory days, they will help bring in the future members allowing us to bigger shows like Adams Family, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Newsies, Come From Away, and others.  Their excitement and commitment through this show has given me hope that there is a realistic future.  

This was the first year of a new program.  We will continue to induct new members into the International Thespian Society and compete at the theatrical competitions.  Our goal for next year is to place at least second place at the regional competition qualifying us for state competition.  It is also our goal to have our first-ever International Honor Thespian.  Next year, we are introducing an acting class in the high school curriculum.  We will also be creating a stage-crew training program and hope to get some of our students certified through the national BACKstage Exam.  

These are exciting times for the drama club of Western School Corporation.  Opportunities abound for our students beyond these walls to fulfill exciting careers.  I took the challenge of doing this musical not because it is something to check off for the year; rather to help our students see a world of possibilities as they leave the high school nest.  I hope you can see the vision with me and will partner with us.  If you would like to know how to help push us forward, please feel free to contact me.

Mike Putt,

Director