"The Sound of Music" Spring 2017 Musical

Senior Reflections

DANI L (Frau Schmidt) I believe that the beauty of theatre lies in its ability to connect people through stories. I cannot stress enough how grateful I am for the friendships I’ve made through this department. Not only have I made new friends, but also my existing friendships have been deepened enormously by the stories we have been able to tell together. I love theatre because

it allows people to experience firsthand the truths that writers bring to the stage. As a high school student trying to findmy place in the world, it’s incredibly important for me to be able to pursue what I love. The Wildwood Performing Arts Department has been a wonderful place for me to do that. I really want to thank Stephanie and Melissa for the opportunities they have givenme and for always challengingme and pushingme to be a better actor. In this time of political turbulence, I believe it’s crucial for us to continue bringing truths to the stage. As young performers, we have a louder voice than we know. I thank not only the department but also Wildwood for giving us the platform to use our voices.

QUINN A (Assistant Director) When I came to Wildwood in 6 th grade, I only knew two people. One of them was out with pneumonia for the first month, and the other wanted nothing to do with me. I was desperate to find a community that I could feel comfortable in. Sports have never been the place for me, so I turned to Performing Arts. I was terrified of being on stage, was brand new to

the school, and had no acting experience; I was convinced that I would get the lead. Being School Kid #3 proved to be equally important. In the 7th grade I found that acting wasn’t for me. Being Passenger #2 in Anything Goes was definitely an upgrade, but I never really felt comfortable being on stage. The most fun and easy way to get involved at that point was hair and makeup; it was fun, but not easy. I realized I had no idea how to do makeup, and I got anxious while in the costume room, but I faked my way through it for the next four years. Fast forward to senior year, and I have acted, done hair, makeup, costumes, painted sets, stage managed twice, andfinally, AssistantDirectingTheSoundofMusic.My involvement in theatre started from a desire to fit in, and seven years later, it is my senior project. Most of us have grown up together in this department. Stephanie, Melissa, and Travis have watched us and supported us in becoming the actors, directors, and designers that we are today. This is the part of Wildwood that feels most like home.

SABRINA S (Lighting Designer) In trying to sum up my experience as part of Wildwood’s Performing Arts Department, I think it would be wise to say I haven’t had the most typical experience. Having transferred toWildwood in my junior year, my passion for lighting design already had a solid foundation. However, something that