Welcome to RCT's production of the Berks County premiere of MEAN GIRLS: High School Version. The preparation for our time at Northshore High School began in June and for the past two and a half months, a most talented group of high school performers came together to share their love of the arts and the world of theater.
What can one say about the popularity of the story of MEAN GIRLS? Our cast knows it so well and have enjoyed telling a story filled with so much singing and dancing! However, the show goes way beyond that! It focuses on bullying, a major issue our young teens face in school, no matter the grade or age! My heart hurt for them as one by one, at one of our first rehearsals, they talked about their real “bullying” experiences. Out of that situation/issue came the message of being true and believing in yourself, being confident, and not allowing someone to treat you disrespectfully, be demeaning or tell you what to do.
The MEAN GIRL cast consists of 42 young thespians hailing from Berks, Lancaster and Schuylkill Counties. I love working on shows that allow our youth an opportunity to meet and create with people new to them.
It is my goal to have the rehearsal process of every show be a learning experience, not just a social activity. I want my casts to have memories that will last a lifetime! And I believe I accomplished my goals. The entire cast has grown throughout the process, not only theatrically but in making new friendships that will continue for many years! It is so true that being a part of a show teaches many things beyond the onstage experience. Time management skills, the importance of being a team player, working with people of all ages, and theater etiquette both on and offstage are all vital lessons learned. Most importantly, it is the family that we have become! We have grown to respect, admire, appreciate, love, and support each other. Through the rehearsal process, each day, each week, each month, I was in awe of the talents and commitment each cast member brought to this production.
I am so proud of our efforts and what we have created together! The cast and my staff have taken my vision and have brought it to life so that it is SO FETCH!!
Now sit back and relax as we meet the Plastics who rule the school until the arrival of a new girl from Africa changes everything!
To you, our audience, thank you for your support of our show, our cast, RCT and the arts.
Jeannette DeAngelo,
Director
