FROM THE DIRECTOR
It is with great optimism, and high hopes for the future of our arts program, that the Highland Theater production team presents Annie Jr. I could think of no better story to begin with than that of little orphan Annie, characterized as a complex and tough, yet surprisingly sensitive and hopeful child. I see many of the same characteristics in the students I teach here at Highland—– they are a generation faced with complexities, uncertainties, and a world that is changing much more quickly than any of us could have anticipated, and yet they remain hopeful as they look toward the future. In the end, Annie’s story is a universal tale of optimism that reminds us that even though we go through rough patches in life, we can be confident that “the sun’ll come out tomorrow!”
Theater within a school setting is quite different from what you might call “community theater.” And yet all theater, by definition, is community! My hope as director is that our talented Highland students would use their time in the arts to find their tribe, their people…their community. It is only with good friends at our side that we can look to the future with optimism.
I have had many friends at my side throughout this undertaking. I remain grateful to Tami Colley and Logan Denman—as my two production managers and spinners-of-many-plates. I am indebted to our technical director Kevin Adams and have relied heavily on his knowledge and expertise. I would like to thank my wife and best friend, Juliet, for doing a terrific job as choreographer. Although I don’t have the space to list them all here, I am thankful for the assistance from many other parents and volunteers that have made this show a success.
Finally, I would like to thank the entire Highland community for coming out to see the show. I am certainly proud of what our students have accomplished, and I’m sure you will be too!
Enjoy the show!
Mr. Corey Strinka, Director
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Highland Theater program wishes to thank the following for their generous assistance and loaning of audio, lighting equipment, and props:
Paul Hatem
John Nixon
Bruce Jacklin
Knox County Memorial Building
Mount Vernon Players
The Woodward Opera House
MTVarts
Highland Theater also wishes to thank the following individuals and organizations:
Danville Local Schools Theater Department
Mount Gilead School District Theater Department
Highland High School Custodians
Highland High School Principal Chad Carpenter
Highland Middle School Principal Matt Bradley
Highland Elementary School Principal Shawn Winkelfoos
Highland Superintendent Nate Huffman
Highland Board of Education
