First and foremost thank you for supporting the Arts!
The past couple of years have been trying, to say the least. We’ve gotten through it, making new partners and exploring different approaches along the way. FCT, as well as many other companies, found out that in order to survive one must adapt. This may sound simple, but adaptation often requires change, and people fear change.
This notion is central to what Footloose is about.
People become complacent. Knee jerk reactions can lead to reassurance that eventually becomes ingrained and before long it’s part of a culture; If anything questions that culture it is met with resistance. As the people from Bomont find out, overcoming that resistance leads to growth.
Celebrating 150 years, it is clear that many within the Fleetwood community understand this concept. Working with FCT has shown me that those involved with the organization exemplify those traits that make adaptation possible. FCT is the most inclusionary group I have worked with in over 40 years of theatre experience. Many organizations are “accepting”, but there is a difference between accepting and including.
If you are here in support of a family member or friend, thank you a second time for your support. Involvement with organizations such as FCT, completing a massive project, like a production, being back stage, or onstage in front of friends and strangers builds confidence and life skills found in few other places. It has been a pleasure working with this cast and I wish them all “good show!”
One final note, just for my own sanity. “Bomont” is a fictional town. There is an unincorporated area in West Virginia called Bomont where the Granny Smith apple was first cultivated, but it is not where this show takes place. The setting is also not Beaumont, TX. Wanted to mention that in case anyone thought we misspelled the town. Thank you.
~Jeffrey Jones
