"The Sound of Music" Spring 2017 Musical

Senior Reflections

I did not expect upon my arrival was my immediate acceptance I had into this department. For the first production I ever worked on at Wildwood, The Madwoman of Wall Street, I was given the opportunity to be one of the lighting designers. For this, I would like to thank Travis. You have had unwavering support for me over these past two years, and I cannot thank you enough for your faith in me. Speaking of unwavering support, I’d like to thank my parents for dealing withmycrazy theatre schedulesover theyearswhenyou justwantedsome time tosit down for a family dinner. It feels fitting that my last show is The Sound of Music, as it was alsomy last show of elementary school. Though this time I’m not playing the mildly evil Baroness Schraeder, I’m just as (if not more) excited to share this production of The Sound of Music with you. SOPHIE S (Sister Cecilia) I love being a part of the Wildwood theatre community. I first joined in 9 th grade when I landed the role of “Inspector Kemp” in Young Frankenstein. I came out of that play with new friends, a decent German accent, and a community in which I truly felt a part. Now eight productions later, the Performing Arts Department has become a second family for me. I get to surround myself with people who love this as much as I do. This department has shaped my time at Wildwood and for that I am so grateful. Thanks!

NATHANIEL P (Stage Manager) This marks my third year involved in Wildwood’s Technical Theatre program. The challenges I have faced and the people I havemet have been some of the most memorable in high school. I joined Stagecraft class in 10th grade, because I needed an arts class, and it sounded like the “least bad option.” I wasn’t particularly motivated, especially when I heard that

passing the class required me to stay after school, or sometimes come on weekends. But, by the end of that first year, I was hooked. There was something gratifying about measuring and cuttingeachpieceofwood, andeventually seeingaset come together. So, I cameback theyear after, and the year after that. This year, I was approached by Stephanie, and she offeredme the opportunity to be the Stage Manager for our production of The Sound of Music. I accepted, and it has been a fantastic journey. It’s taken some serious time and dedication to get towherewe are, and tomakewhat we have made, and I don’t regret a second of it. Many thanks and much love to Travis, who taught me everything I know, and to Stephanie, who has been a fantastic guiding force in these last fewmonths, aswell as everyone else involved in the theatreprogram. Everyonehere has helped shape who I am, and I will remember these times fondly as I navigate the next stage of my life.