Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I Love Ya! Tomorrow...

...You're always a Day-A-WAY!!!!!

This past weekend there were two excellent performances of Annie at the Yokota High School. Kids ranged from 6th-11th graders and did a great job of singing, acting, and dancing. It was a fun show and you could tell everybody had a fun time performing it. Oh, and did I mention I was the director?

That's right- I directed my first show. Those who know me, know that I have been involved in performing all my life. Be it in an ice skating Show (my first was at 2.5 yrs old), Dance recitals, choir, church plays, school plays, community theater, ballet, improv comedy... you name it and I've probably been involved in it! So when I learned there was a children's community theater on base I jumped at the opportunity to be involved. Unfortunately, their major show was put on the week after we moved here so I wasn't involved until all the "fun" was over! But I was told there would be plenty for us to do in the next year and I was more than eager to sign up to be on the board of the private organization, Vivace.

So in my first few weeks as Vivace Vice President, we were approached by the high school administration. Apparently the high school drama teacher canceled the show and they were desperate to have something for these kids to be involved in. They asked us if we would be willing to put on their show. So the 5 board members (which range from spouses, active duty, and DOD teachers) got together and decided that we would be willing to put on the show, and I got put in place as the director. I had plenty of help- let me make that sure! My assistant director is the 2nd year running president of Vivace and knew a lot of the kids and had much more experience working with them- and there is no way I could have done the show without all her help. In fact- 3 days before the show a main character dropped out and she stepped in to sing and dance along with the students!




It was a struggle at times- frustrating that the kids didn't seem as dedicated to the play as they were to soccer, softball, cheerleading, etc... but for the most part it was a great time. The show was very well received by the community and it gave us on the board of Vivace even more confidence that we can produce more shows in the future without the help of contracting in "professional" help and making it a true community theater.

The director hat was a new one for me to wear but I think I'd do it again in the future... especially if I have enough time to research the show I want to do and plan it out- instead of having 6 weeks to put on a show that was already available to perform (which was the case with Annie!).

.....now what am I going to do with my afternoons???