A Note from Nat:
Here we are again, Another Op'nin’, Another Show. The tradition of this song holds a very special place in my heart. This song was played before each play that I performed in while I was in high school. My teacher, Mrs. Regina Scott, had started this tradition and I started it up again when I started the drama club. Mrs. Scott lost her battle with cancer in 2021 and I, fortunately, was able to have one last conversation with her to tell her that her tradition lives on and will hopefully continue for years to come.
This year the play was a huge undertaking. This has been the most technical play that we have done thus far. Most of the others have been heavy with sets but this one was different. Not only were we preparing for this show but we have also been working on the Middle School Musical, our competition piece and even getting the Senior Showcase up and going. We are always busy, which keeps the theater alive and the arts going strong. This cast and crew have been busy and I am so proud of all of their hard work. As always, I have a list of incredible people that I would like to thank:
To our administration and board members: Thank you for allowing us to have this program. When I first started this, I never thought we would grow like we have. Thank you for allowing us to perform for the community. Thank you for allowing us to make a difference by being in the theater.
To the parents: Thank you so much to those of you who have come in and helped us by building the set, bringing us food, carting your kids back and forth so they can be on stage and just being overall amazing. I know we are constantly busy but I appreciate each and every one of you that give up your time to help us out.
To my seniors: I am so thankful for each and every one of you and for many different reasons. I have gotten to watch most of you grow over the past four years and I have loved every minute of it. You don’t know how much all of you mean to me, nor how much I will truly miss you. Please always remember to do what I never did and follow your dreams. Don’t give up, don’t give in. Push forward and always know that you have someone rooting for you each step of the way. I will always be here, should you need someone and this theater will always be your “home”.
Amy Phipps: Thank you again for taking the time and doing our headshots yet again! You are an amazing photographer and we love everything you do for us. Thank you so much!
Shyanne Scott: Thank you for taking on the task of doing props this year. This was probably the hardest show to do props for because of how many we have and had to make. It was a lot. You dealt with it and us at the same time which was a lot. Thank you for taking on the task, we do appreciate everything you did for the kids and the show. We all love you and love having you back in the theater with us.
Allison Paradise: I know you didn’t help out as much this year as normal due to circumstances beyond your control but I also know that you were always here in spirit. I appreciate everything you do for me and for the kids. We love you and are thankful to have you be with us when you can.
Last, but not least - Preston Shafer: What can I say that I haven’t said before. We have been through so much putting on these shows. We have laughed, cried, yelled….told each other to “leave” but yet here we are, working on another show. I couldn’t imagine doing all of this without you. The literal blood, sweat and tears always seem like it isn’t worth it but it eventually does pay off while we learn and grow from each show. I am thankful for you always helping make what I want come to life happen. You are one of the best, most genuine people on this planet and I hope one day that you truly do learn your potential and run with it. Thank you for being my partner in theater. We all love you.
For anyone that I may have missed. Thank you for your support of our kids, of the arts and hopefully you enjoy!
Sincerely,
Cascade High School Drama Club
Natalee Hessler
