Reflections on a Show Week
With each passing show week, my passion and love for the theater is rejuvenated and strengthened. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the cast and crew as they realize that they were capable of so much more than they thought, as they finally come together to work for a common goal, and as they take personal responsibility to do their part to help make all the pieces of the show come together. I am inspired by these amazing young people and honored to have the opportunity to work with them.
Art Williams’ quote comes to mind when I reflect on show week. “I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy. I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” Show week is long and tiring. It can often be stressful and challenging. But when it comes to an end, it’s always an incredible and memorable experience – definitely “worth it”. This week was no exception.
Art Williams’ quote comes to mind when I reflect on show week. “I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy. I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” Show week is long and tiring. It can often be stressful and challenging. But when it comes to an end, it’s always an incredible and memorable experience – definitely “worth it”. This week was no exception.
Please enjoy reflections about show week from some members of the cast and crew.
Sophomore, Rachel Dougal stated, “Show week is one of the craziest times of the year–late rehearsals after long days of school, and hours upon hours spent with the same people. It can be very stressful, no doubt. But it's also when the cast truly comes together as a family. We all support each other and keep each other going. We have worked so hard to put the show together, and it's bittersweet to have it come to an end, but we are also proud to share our work with our audience. We will remember ‘The Sound of Music’ as one of our best shows. It was such a fun experience and reminded me of my love for theater.”
Lindsey McCabe, junior, has learned the valuable lesson of patience, while gaining new friendships through her involvement with theater. “I've been in 23 different show weeks and if I've learned anything from them, it's patience. During the week, everyone gets incredibly sleep deprived, and it is very easy to get annoyed at people. The great thing about show week, however, is that it forces you to talk to everyone, and you are able to make a lot of new friends. For instance, this week I have become closer with a lot of freshmen that I probably wouldn't have talked to otherwise.”
Freshman Anne Frain echoed similar sentiments about creating new friendships. “This show was such an amazing experience, not only for us, but for the people watching it. They got to see our new friendships and how we bonded.”
“I really enjoyed making new connections and friendships with people I did not know well, especially the 7th graders,” stated sophomore, Anne Marie Doxtader.
"Show week is always stressful, but it's so worth it. I made new friends, and people now know who I am. And I have a bit more of confidence,” said freshman, Allie Owings.
Junior Erin Houlihan experienced her first show week at Pinecrest, playing the role of Liesel. “Show week was one of the most hectic weeks of my life. You go from school, to various sport practices, and then to rehearsal; by the end of the day, when you get home, you’re exhausted and then end up getting around five hours of sleep, due to the amount of homework that you have. However, show week is also the most fulfilling and joyful week I could ever be a part of. The people that surrounded me during the week are the reason that all the effort put into the play was well worth it. Also, it is an honor to work with Ms. McGraw. Her energy and positivity lights me up every single day, and she is the primary reason for the success of this program. I am blessed to be a part of ‘The Sound of Music’ cast and would absolutely do it again.”
“Show week is crazy and stressful, but we all pull through and make it together,” shared junior, Maddie Lynch.
Freshman, Camille Lueder shared that, “during show week, I experienced how teamwork and hard working people can make an amazing performance.”
Leading lady, Olivia Gannon, played Maria Von Trapp and enjoyed her first experience in a Pinecrest production. “Being a part of such a loving and caring cast and crew has been a great blessing. It has left an amazing memory that will be in my heart forever.”
Sophomore, Rachel Dougal stated, “Show week is one of the craziest times of the year–late rehearsals after long days of school, and hours upon hours spent with the same people. It can be very stressful, no doubt. But it's also when the cast truly comes together as a family. We all support each other and keep each other going. We have worked so hard to put the show together, and it's bittersweet to have it come to an end, but we are also proud to share our work with our audience. We will remember ‘The Sound of Music’ as one of our best shows. It was such a fun experience and reminded me of my love for theater.”
Lindsey McCabe, junior, has learned the valuable lesson of patience, while gaining new friendships through her involvement with theater. “I've been in 23 different show weeks and if I've learned anything from them, it's patience. During the week, everyone gets incredibly sleep deprived, and it is very easy to get annoyed at people. The great thing about show week, however, is that it forces you to talk to everyone, and you are able to make a lot of new friends. For instance, this week I have become closer with a lot of freshmen that I probably wouldn't have talked to otherwise.”
Freshman Anne Frain echoed similar sentiments about creating new friendships. “This show was such an amazing experience, not only for us, but for the people watching it. They got to see our new friendships and how we bonded.”
“I really enjoyed making new connections and friendships with people I did not know well, especially the 7th graders,” stated sophomore, Anne Marie Doxtader.
"Show week is always stressful, but it's so worth it. I made new friends, and people now know who I am. And I have a bit more of confidence,” said freshman, Allie Owings.
Junior Erin Houlihan experienced her first show week at Pinecrest, playing the role of Liesel. “Show week was one of the most hectic weeks of my life. You go from school, to various sport practices, and then to rehearsal; by the end of the day, when you get home, you’re exhausted and then end up getting around five hours of sleep, due to the amount of homework that you have. However, show week is also the most fulfilling and joyful week I could ever be a part of. The people that surrounded me during the week are the reason that all the effort put into the play was well worth it. Also, it is an honor to work with Ms. McGraw. Her energy and positivity lights me up every single day, and she is the primary reason for the success of this program. I am blessed to be a part of ‘The Sound of Music’ cast and would absolutely do it again.”
“Show week is crazy and stressful, but we all pull through and make it together,” shared junior, Maddie Lynch.
Freshman, Camille Lueder shared that, “during show week, I experienced how teamwork and hard working people can make an amazing performance.”
Leading lady, Olivia Gannon, played Maria Von Trapp and enjoyed her first experience in a Pinecrest production. “Being a part of such a loving and caring cast and crew has been a great blessing. It has left an amazing memory that will be in my heart forever.”
