I was first introduced to “Between the Lines” at the Junior Theatre Festival in 2023. It was a short 15 minute performance to give a small taste of the show. It featured “Another Chapter”, “Between the Lines” and “Talking to Oliver”. From the first few moments of “Another Chapter” I was hooked. So were all the students around me. The music was fantastic, the story was relatable and the choreography seemed simple. Later that evening, we had the pleasure of meeting the authors of “Between the Lines” and listening to their story and how they brought this musical to life. I knew within the next few years, I wanted to produce that show.
So here we are. Almost a year later from watching the production, spending the summer listening to the soundtrack on repeat, doing designs in the fall and then springing into action right after “School House Rock”. This entire journey has been magical. We jumped head first, and heart first, into production once we got back from Winter Break. It has been an incredibly fun experience for the last 8 weeks. We have laughed, joked, created, danced and been silly with each other in a much more relaxed setting that we have had in a very long time. The cast and crew really came together to make this production a huge success. I gave the crew the ideas for the set and they ran with it and created the beautiful masterworks you see on stage tonight. The cast took on choreography duties and created movements you see tonight. JTF has been an influence in including lifts for our cast members that we normally would not try.
This class of Seniors is My class. We have been together since freshman year. We’ve had a great many laughs and also some struggles, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. My Seniors have been a place of joy and light in my day. They have encouraged me and the underclassmen around them to be the absolute best they can. They have trained up the underclassmen to take over when they are gone and I couldn’t be more proud of them. I’m so excited to announce that 4 of our seniors are continuing in the arts after graduation. They have auditioned and applied around the state of Georgia and are now receiving acceptance letters and scholarships. Everytime I hear someone squeal in joy about getting into a college of their choice, my heart becomes lighter and I know they are ready for the next steps ahead. I send my Seniors out into the world knowing that they are going to create beautiful moments in their lives through the lessons they have learned through the arts. I want them to know that my door is always open to them and my email will be the same until I retire. If they ever need anything from me, a letter of recommendation, an encouraging email or just a reminder of how awesome they are, they need only ask. I would be more than happy to reply. Though we part ways, I will always cherish our time together.
My few and mighty Juniors, it’s now time for you to take on the mantle and prepare yourself. For the past 3 years you have watched the leadership of this class grow, knowing that one day it will be yours. I challenge you to create magic between yourselves and bring a sense of community to the classroom next year. When we all work together instead of against each other, we are stronger and happier. I would love to see that joy continue for many years to come.
I entrust the growth of our program to the Sophomores. Bring your friends into the fold. Invite them to our shows, events, socials. Let them see what a community we have built and that they can be a part of it. Be open and inviting to new comers and let them know this is a safe space to be yourself without worry about what others think of you.
And finally, our adorable Freshmen mascots. Your energy and excitement is contagious. Don’t ever lose that and keep it going for all the years to come. Your positive energy will help create magic on and off stage. Help the new Freshmen that will come into the fold next year find their place and belonging in everything we have built.
