playbill vip

     As this show made its way onto our season announcement, I knew I had a giant to fell; this show is chalked full of exciting moments, funny jokes, and technical magic. Starting this endeavor into my first show as a head director, I was justifiably nervous. I wanted to make sure that these kids not only told an amazing story, but also had the experiences I wanted them to have as students. In educational theatre, the process is far more important than the product in my eyes, and if the show was to be great, think how much greater the process must be! As I reflected on everything I had learned in my degree and this past year of directing, I realized that I needed to get out of mine- and the student’s way and let the amazing talent we have here at Paschal lead.

     What a blessing this show has been! To say that I have had a blast in rehearsals is an understatement. I am beyond humbled with the amount of support this cast has given me during this process. Our cast has truly stepped up to the plate and made Puffs their own. Every day I am blown away with the talent in this program, and for it to be paired with such amazing kids is something I thank my lucky stars for. 

     I have fallen in love with this script over and over again; it’s hilarious, high energy, and full of references to books Mr. Weesner likes way more than I do. But underneath all the jokes, it’s incredibly endearing. The struggle of “the side character” is something we all relate to and finding your voice in a space with friends that care about you is a lesson I hope these amazing students take with them long after these magical lights go out. I think a lot of the message of this show is trying to find your spark, and what lengths we will go to in search of that goal. I love that in the midst of a goofy comedy, we also get to touch on some more heartfelt topics, and I think that’s what constantly draws me back to this script.

     I love the confidence these characters grow into during this show. Going from a rag-tag group of misfits to die-hard friends that would lay down their lives for each other is a trope we all love, but it seems to hit that much harder when it’s snuck in in-between goofy punchlines and a stage kiss or two. 

     I want to say from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for being here. Thank you for loving these kids and supporting their journeys. From a former student who thought of nothing from the moment he woke up to the second he fell asleep other than his lines and getting back into the theatre space, this moment means the world to these students. 

     I hope you love the show and these kids, I certainly do.