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If there was ever a time when theatre was most necessary, it’s right now in a global pandemic. With the shutdown of theatres and school programs across the country, it was a priority of Mr. Lynch and I to jumpstart Tonawanda Theatre in some capacity. Almost, Maine was originally picked with the intention of an exaggerated socially distanced show. The ridiculousness of a giant bench with six feet between the two actors was the kind of quirky humor, I thought would fit perfectly into the world of Almost. However, it was not too long into rehearsals that we realized our entire production would need to be remote. I can certainly say I never imagined I’d ever direct something like this. I was completely lost in the beginning with how I would even start to stage a production from my house! Despite the uncertain times we were living in, these young actors and actresses wowed me with their creativity and ability to adapt. It was my pleasure to come to rehearsal every day and see what they would come up with. They took the circumstances of this remote play and faced it head on, almost like it didn’t faze them. The tell of a great actor is adaptability and each student has adapted far beyond what I expected. As a former alumni of this program, it’s quite exciting to return and see the positive impact that it is still having upon the kids. This production and program means a lot to me, and I’m glad to see that Tonawanda Theatre can survive anything. I hope you enjoy our production and the great work that has been put in by weeks of effort by the students.

- Kyle LeBlanc