What’s Coming Up Next: A Whirlwind of Shows, Changes, and Lessons Learned
Things have been absolutely buzzing at work lately! We just wrapped up the elementary school production of Dragon’s Lair last week, and I couldn't be more proud of the kids for pulling off such a cute, heartwarming show. But as they say, no rest for the weary! This week, we're diving straight into tech for She Kills Monsters at a local junior high. It’s such an incredible production, filled with tons of energy, heart, and a dedicated group of students who are really bringing their A-game.
Next week, the intensity cranks up even more. We’ve got two shows teching and opening at the same time. First, our in-house production of Lose Not Thy Head is coming together beautifully—it's been such a joy to rehearse. Then, over at one of our partner schools, we’re putting the final touches on Aladdin Jr. It’s a whirlwind of costumes, props, and pure magic, and I can’t wait to see it all come to life!
And if that wasn’t enough, the following weekend we’re opening and closing 15 Reasons Not to Be in a Play. It’s going to be a fast-paced, hilarious show that’s sure to have the audience laughing from start to finish. We wrap up that same week with our Fall Dance Recital, which will showcase some truly amazing young talent. After all that, I’ll definitely be ready for a short break over Thanksgiving—but the work doesn’t stop there!
December is packed too. Both of my personal productions will be hitting the stage, with Guys and Dolls as our mainstage show and Footloose rocking the black box theater. These are two of my favorite musicals, and I can’t wait to see all the hard work pay off. Once they’re open? Then I finally sleep!
But in the midst of all this excitement, I’ve also had to make some tough decisions. While I’ve loved working with the students at Skyline College and have poured so much time, energy, and heart into trying to build their theater program, I’ve realized that no matter how much you love the kids, not every place is the right fit. Education is hard, and sometimes those in charge make it even harder. At some point, you realize that all your hard work might be in vain if your hands are tied and you're asked to swim against the current. It’s frustrating, and while I’ll miss the students, I won’t miss the uphill battle of trying to effect change in an environment where it’s difficult to even make a ripple.
It’s bittersweet, but moving on is sometimes necessary for growth. I’ll still be able to work with students in many different spaces, and thankfully I see so many of these amazing kids daily. The love for teaching, for watching them grow and shine, will never fade—it’s just time to focus my efforts where they can truly thrive.
In the meantime, it’s full speed ahead. The marathon of productions and creativity is what keeps me going, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Stay tuned for more updates as we power through this whirlwind of shows!
Thanks for being part of the journey—see you at the theater!
