playbill vip

Magic comes in many forms. There’s magic in the traditional sense, and then there’s the magic created by those who believe in themselves. You may not think of Alice in Wonderland as an inherently magical show, but these students bring their own magic to the story. When I read this script for the first time, it felt like it was missing something. It wasn’t until our first read through, though that I realized it was missing these students. The script needed them to come alive.

Theatre has this unique ability of bringing out people’s true nature. What I saw with these students, is that they care deeply about the work they do, and about each other. They are eager to compliment one other, and hesitant when it comes to accepting a compliment about themselves. It can be hard to get going, because they want to talk to each other, and make sure everyone is heard. This is where family comes in. These students have created an environment where it’s okay to practice screaming onstage, where it’s okay to have a bad day. These students created a family.

This show would not be possible without the Oakwood High School Faculty and Staff, and the district administration. Thank you for believing in these students. Thank you for believing in this program. Thank you for supporting students’ ability to experience magic in everyday life.

And lastly, a personal thank you to my parents, Ed and Meredith Spitzmiller, my sisters; Grace, Abby and Rita, the Fisk family, and my friends, family and coworkers. Thank you for listening to my ideas, for telling me when they don’t make sense, and for supporting this program in ways you could never imagine. Thank you to the students involved, for believing in the show.

Thank you for coming to this show. Let yourself fall down the rabbit hole. Believe in magic with us for the next hour.

Much Love,

Kayla Spitzmiller