Hey guys, by the time this is published and you are able to read it, we are probably going our separate ways as finals week and summer break are happening. I wish I had more of a chance to spend time with all of you individually. Unfortunately as a COM major, I know that it would be highly unlikely for me to do so. I just want to say that I am so glad to have been a part of this cast, and to be associated with such talented people. I have spent years being trained for a show like this, and this happened to be the first show I have ever done.

A big shout out to Angel though, because I would not have auditioned if she did not convince me to. I knew Urinetown was a show since my high school did it when I was a sophomore, but I did not necessarily know the story. It is pretty obvious that I am glad I did, even if I had days where I just seemed out of it. I never thought that I would be cast, but I was, and I am eternally grateful for it. I was sick during my audition, and I had never read a monologue for an audition, so I thought I had bombed everything. I chose a safe song, I tried my best to follow the audition choreo, and what do you know? I made it!

Walking into our first rehearsal, I did not know what to expect. I was in a room full of people that I had never seen before, and I was terrified. I wondered why people were cast the characters they were cast, and who I would end up befriending (if I ended up befriending anyone at all). When we did our first readthrough, it all fell into place in my head. To be honest, I was internally screaming and fangirling at all of you.

I also noticed/heard about some of you putting yourselves down on how you sing or act. I have one thing to say, SHUT THE FUCK UP. I know it is hard to not be self critical, but damn if I had an ounce of the talent some of you have...let’s just say “if ya got it, flaunt it” (I could not think of a way to word this without using a meme). You all sound so heavenly; do you know how many times I have sat at the side of the hewitt lab, stood side stage, or behind the amenity and sobbed because of your voices? (The answer is every show if you were wondering).

Thank you Jonel for being such a supporting director and understanding us as much as you could.

Thank you Wyatt for helping everyone with their character work.

Thank you Brett for the amazing choreography and for making it fun for us.

Thank you Cadi for keeping us in line from scheduling to shutting up.

Thank you Nicole and Mary for wrangling all of us.

Thank you Bob for being my voice teacher, and for making us sound amazing.

Thank you Rebecca for all those recordings you goddess, and for your dancing piano fingers.

Thank you though for everything, everyone. As a freshman, non-theatre major I honestly did not know what I was getting myself into. I want to say that I look up to every single one of you from your talent, your work ethic, your attitudes, your positive energies, and just you. I wish I could thank all of your parents for creating you guys.

I honestly do appreciate every single one of you, and hope that you all continue to be a part of my life. Even if you do not plan on staying in it, thank you for being a part of it this semester.

I love you guys with all my heart.

Until I see you all again next semester or sometime in the future,
HAIL MALTHUS!