Whew!
I guess 1700 kids and their teachers had me on overload as I look at the spelling on my last quick blog/wall post from the 2010 Junior Theater Festival! Sorry about that! Still in the afterglow of celebrating the craft of musical Theater with kids and their teachers. The performances I adjudicated were stellar, the creativity, teamwork, personalities and efforts were over the top. I must admit, attempting to write the first Director's Guide of "Annie Jr." in 1995 is a far cry from where kids and teachers have taken it. Magic? No,simply hard work that we love and feel passionately about no matter what the economy, where you live, what kind of school or program you come from and how much help you have. I consider it a privilege to have participated from the beginning as you continually proceed to new heights. I was especially touched, and fought back tears at the films of Freddie Gershon talking about his vision and then presenting the incredible gift to 6 teachers of Teacher Training, completely funded, with all of us in NYC this summer. He continues to inspire me with his support of ALL who believe in the dream of quality, age appropriate musical theater opportunities for ALL children. Huge kudos to the MTI crew with us at JTF - John,Jason, Jessie, Jason,Michael, Kaitlin and Marcus! Their work to make things easier and accessible for teachers (yay showspace!!) is irrepressible, and they continue to work hard to improve it more for all. Thanks guys!! My colleagues at iTheatrics..(Tim, Marty, Steven, Lindsay and Susie) well lets just say they are my family and this was like celebrating a holiday(only a wee bit more prep!)
Big congrats to all of you and your kids who attended. Your excitement and dedication was overwhelming. Am very excited to hopefully come to some of your schools for staff development and/or to work with your kids. Please, keep sending me pics of your hows to share! Was GREAT to be able to talk with some of you in person. Hope you feel my sincere standing ovation! Cindy
