Whew! What a year we have had! This year, I have worked hard to build upon the solid foundation we established last year with the success of Goldilocks on Trial. I have begun to expand our program and bring more awareness to the good that our students are doing by collaborating within our community. I am thankful for the growing relationship that we have with the theatre department here at Liberty High School. The partnership Mrs. Claggett and I have been building serves to provide both of our students with opportunities to work within a framework of high expectations and comparable level of rigor as that of professional artists.
I knew when I selected BOX as our spring play that it would be demanding, but I was privileged to have an amazing group of diverse, talented kids to work with in this season’s cast who navigated the challenge with grace and skill. These students have dedicated so much time, energy, and enthusiasm to this production, and I am proud of each of them. I believe the quality of their art speaks for itself. I am so thankful to be a part of this program.
And now it is time to say goodbye to our 8th grade students, as they prepare for new adventures:
Ladies, it is bittersweet for me, watching your final performances as Cedar Lee students. I have known most of you since you were sixth graders, and I have watched you grow into strong, confident, intelligent young women. I feel we have only just begun, yet our time is nearly over. I am very proud to have had the privilege of being your director, even for such a short time. My only regret is that I could not give you more opportunities to shine onstage this year. I know you will all go on to do great things in high school, and it is my hope that all of you will continue in theatre. If you do theatre at Liberty next year, you may yet get to work with me again! We shall see. In the meantime, be bold and take risks! Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Know that you are always welcome to visit. I hope you will.
Sarah: Your attitude and professionalism are your greatest assets. You have been a constant voice of positivity whenever I have felt stressed at rehearsals. It’s a breath of fresh air to see someone your age who cares so deeply for the art of theatre. Try not to let others who aren’t as motivated or dedicated as you discourage you from finding joy in theatre.
Gabby: You have really and truly come out of your shell as a performer since I cast you in Goldilocks last year, and it has been awesome to watch your confidence grow. You are a versatile actor, and you have a gift for comedic timing! Keep acting in high school. Thank you for taking on so many roles during this production.
Alana: Last year, after auditions for Goldilocks, you sent me an email. That email taught me something. I recognized your dedication and commitment, and I knew that I could trust you to handle a number of characters and learn a large share of lines. You are fearless, you take risks in rehearsal, and you are ready to work when I call, “Places.” Thank you. Your shoes will be hard to fill next year.
Aaliyah: You are a sweetheart. It never matters what kind of mood I am in – seeing your smile makes me smile, too. I wish I had had you last year in Goldilocks on Trial. You have done a great job developing your character, and I hope you will seriously consider taking theatre in high school. You have a ton of potential as an actor, and I think Mrs. C would be lucky to have you.
Alexis: You are such a spirited person. I always knew you would do well onstage, and I was thrilled that you auditioned for the show this year. Your enthusiasm for the work was inspiring. Thank you for giving it your all. I am proud that you made the volleyball team and proud that you honored your commitment to the show, too. Thank you for doing your part to make this show such a success – we could not have done it without you!
Brialea: You have a gift for theatre, and you are a natural actor. Your ability to communicate story and character is rare and astonishing. I understand you may not be able to take theatre in high school. If that is the case, then I hope you will continue in theatre another way because theatre builds skills that extend to numerous other disciplines. Mrs. C and I can both tell you how many jobs we have landed simply because of our theatre backgrounds.
Always remember who you are and what you represent. I wish you all the very best.
Mr. Bertone
