BWW Blog: A Theatrical Thank You

Getting ready to open our production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" has my brain in 40 different directions, which had me stumped on this week's article. Being around my cast a bunch more these past few weeks has me feeling a bit sentimental because this production is coming to an end. Our family will be scattered across Pennsylvania for the next few months, and I'm not going to be used to not having them all around me. What does it mean to be a part of a theatre family? A theatre family is a group of your fellow thespians, that no matter what happens, you've always got each others back. Having a sense of family is incredibly important when it comes to the dynamic of the show. So, being that we are less than 2 weeks from opening, I want to take this week's article to say thank you to my theatre family.

To my fellow actors:

Thank you for the camaraderie that we have every rehearsal. Thank you for accepting me into the group, even when I wasn't sure that theatre was something I wanted to take seriously. I was a confused sophomore at the time of joining, and I'm grateful that you have shown me the way on campus. I'm grateful to see the willingness to try new things from you. Thank you for challenging me to always do my best, and for keeping me on my toes as an actor AND stage manager.

To my fellow stage crew:

Thank you for teaching me things that I never saw myself doing. I have always been an "on-the-stage" theatre nerd. I couldn't believe all the skills you guys have, and even more so, couldn't believe that I could be doing something like that. I honestly think I may love being backstage more than on stage now. Thank you for being a constant source of entertainment, even when the entertainment is me hurting myself around you guys, or me picking fun. Most importantly, thank you for treating me like "one of the guys" and not a "fragile and defenseless" woman.

To my director:

Thank you for always having faith in me, even when I don't have it in myself. I'm grateful that you badgered me my entire freshman year to come and audition, because I honestly don't know what I would be doing now without theatre. I have learned so many useful skills, and have had countless opportunities open up because of you. I truly do owe all of my accomplishments to you. Thank you for being a voice of reason when I start to make questionable decisions, and being there for me - no matter what.

To my community:

I'm grateful to have grown up in an area that is supportive of the arts. I grew up around you performing music, and singing all around the area. Now, you all come to see my shows. I'm eternally grateful for the local support, and the support some of you have already given me with the possibility of going to NYC or Boston.

I am undeniably blessed to be from an area that supports the arts, and attending a school that embraces and grows that love into a beautiful craft.

Until the next one!