Dear VRMP,
Congratulations on yet another outstanding performance! I thoroughly enjoyed my role as audience member this year, and seeing all of you sing your hearts out made me so grateful that I was once in your character shoes. Even though the show is physically over, the memories that you all have made will never be forgotten. In fact, they will carry over with you to the next chapter in all of your lives, whether that be another semester of high school or your first year of college.
When I think back to high school, the first memory that pops into my mind is being involved in VRMP. It was just such a welcoming atmosphere where everyone was equal no matter what friend group or activities you were involved in. All of that was left at the door and the stage became a second home. So many aspects of what rehearsal life was like stick out in my mind like the vocal warm ups that only we would understand, the tea cart, the nightly schedule posted on the costume closet door, and the front row that was strictly where the seniors sat for attendance. These memories may be small and exact but that’s what you will always remember after the final show.
You may leave the musical when the tassel turns, but the musical will never leave you. You will still remember certain lines that were a cast favorite and dancing behind the curtain on the opposite side of the stage as your friend... behind the tape of course. You’ll remember that one cherished prop that you hated giving up during strike, the costumes, the mic tape, and the look on everyone’s faces when food was delivered on a 10-4 Saturday rehearsal. You’ll remember that feeling you had when the lights came on and you nailed the scene and the harmonies in the song were finally perfect. Most importantly though, you will remember the family that you made throughout your years involved. You all walked in as strangers, and took your last bow as lifelong friends.
If this show was your last, don’t fret. It’s important to stick with your passions after high school ends and the college journey begins. No matter what your major is, you can still join the drama club or chorus in college. It’s a lot of fun, and you meet a great group of people all over again. Not to mention, you will already have a great musical background from learning from the best team in high school.
I’m so proud of each and every one of you. The passion and energy that you expressed on the stage this past weekend was enough to light the entire town. You created a hat where there never was one. Congratulations, you should all be very proud of your performance.
Your biggest fan,
Lily
Ps. “For the greater good.” (Sorry, I had to!)
;)
