SENIOR REFLECTIONS​

​

Abby Cannon (Lucy Grant)

 

If I have learned anything through my time with the Hillsboro Players it has been that you only get what you put in. Looking back on when I first came into the program sophomore year, I hardly even recognize myself. I didn’t really know anyone yet I was welcomed with open arms. Over the past few years I gave myself to the program and let it take me wherever it wanted to. By doing that, along with guidance from the Butlers, I have made life long friendships and not only become a better actor on stage but also a better person in life. When I look back on high school, the highlight will always and forever be the home I found with The Players. 

​

Caroline Allen (Stage Manager)
 

When Mr. Butler approached me on the first day of tech week for The Caucasian Chalk Circle and told me my role was going to be the unofficial “child wrangler,” I immediately questioned signing up for tech. One week later, as I was standing in the wings when the curtain for closing night opened, I knew I wanted to be involved with as many shows as possible. The Hillsboro Players made my high school experience into something I didn’t even know was possible. I met my best friends, made my favorite high school memories and got to create art in an enriching community. I have loved every minute of my time as a Player, and to the Butlers, I just want to say one thing-- thank you. (Also, I would be happy to become the child wrangler again now that Elliott is in the picture.)

​

Charlie Eichman (Light Crew Chief)

 

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the light board operator and crew chief for the Players for the past four years. I am forever grateful to the Butlers, the Hillsboro community, and Richard Davis for offering this incredible opportunity. I have gained valuable skills in the world of entertainment production and I am glad to have worked with such kind peers and leaders who made my time in theatre a highlight of my high school experience. I hope to support the Players and continue my involvement with the thespian community in the coming years.

 

Curry Comden (Sound Crew Chief)
 

My journey with the Hillsboro Players really started my sophomore year with our show Rock of Ages. I was chosen to be the bass player in the live rock band we had on stage and I remember those few months around the show to be some of the best of my high school years. Working on that show opened my eyes to some of the more interesting aspects of theatre and gave me the inspiration to pursue a career in sound design. The best advice I could give to someone who still doesn’t know their path in life is to try new things; you’ll never know what you’ll learn about yourself.
 

Frankie Harrell (Spotlight Operator)

 

I transferred to Hillsboro last year and immediately jumped into the Hillsboro Players. It was definitely an interesting year to join, but it was fun. I was, and still am, quiet and I didn't know anyone when I came here. Being in tech gave me a chance to make friends and become more confident in myself. I had always liked theatre but with the Players I had fun. I have some great memories from the shows I’ve done. The sense of community we have is strong and I truly feel supported. Thanks for a great 2 (well 1.5) years Players!

 

Kate Henry (Mama Murphy)
 

I have grown more as an individual over the past year than over the other three years at Hillsboro combined. Having now lived through a pandemic for more than a year, my priorities and lifestyle have changed. Coming back to theatre was something that I was, at first, very hesitant to do. Through the process and the exploration of this show, the most valuable thing I have learned is how to find balance. Life cannot be all one thing or all another. Life should be about creating space for yourself to grow or finding time to rest when needed. I am so glad to have been a part of Bright Star for the last semester of my senior year - I am grateful to all of the directors who have pushed me to my fullest and to my friends and family who are my constant pillars of support. I love you all.

 

Kevin Anderson (Production Stage Manager)
 

These last four years have had an impact on me that is difficult to describe using colloquial language. Through hardships great and small, immaculate happiness, and the overarching sense of pride I've had for the work done during my time in the Hillsboro Players...this insightful escapade is one for the books. Looking back, it’s astounding to think that these last few years would be the driving force for my future. I am proud to say that I truly got to exploit every ounce of opportunity provided by this program. Kristin and Will allowed me to try my hand at performance, tech, and everything in between. I am immensely grateful for this adventure, and excited to use the skills it’s provided for my future.
 

Lucas Herculano Houzel (Light Board Operator)

 

Since I first became involved with the Players my Sophomore year, they have never disappointed. The Butlers and fellow Players deliver, regardless of the blockades, challenges, or exceedingly high expectations in place. They have taught me that when we set our minds on something and commit to it, we can get it done while growing as a group. Other than the lifelong bonds that I have formed during my time with the Hillsboro Players, I am able to take with me priceless lessons of teamwork, leadership, and compassion, as well as memories of passionate storytelling, vibrant lights, heartfelt singing, and the occasional Beach Boys port-a-potty. My experience with the Hillsboro Players has and will always continue to play a key role in my academic and personal achievements. 

 

Michael Baldree (Stanford/Ensemble)

 

With Peter Pan only being my second show I have ever done, my first with the Players, it enforced my love for theatre and helped me expand my creativity in a place I feel comfortable calling home. The community that I was so warmly welcomed into became my family by the end of my freshman year. There's a certain type of bond that is created when you’re all standing on the stage together. The lights come up, the stage fills with haze, and you throw yourself into the art you all worked so tirelessly on for the last 3 months. Thank you to everyone who ever helped me along the way.

 

Noah Henry (Jimmy Ray Dobbs)
 

From my time at Hillsboro, no other experience has even come close to being as big of an influence the Hillsboro Players has had on my life. It has taught me patience, discipline, leadership, and how to be an artist. If it’s worth anything, my advice is to immerse yourself in what you love as soon as possible. If you don’t like it, then at least you know before it’s expensive, but if you love it, you will gain priceless experience and information that will benefit you for the rest of your life. Immerse yourself within your interests, because there is no better way to spend your time. Thank you for the experience that led me to know that I love theatre, and thank you for guiding me to being the performer I am today.

 

Olivia Miller (Stage Manager)
 

I have worked various tech positions for the Hillsboro Players every year of high school, beginning as an usher in Peter Pan, to now working on the stage management team in Bright Star. I want to thank the Butlers and every stage manager I have worked with in this program- you have all inspired me greatly. I feel so proud to have been a part of such amazing productions that have taught me valuable skills and instilled a love of theatre within me. I will always cherish the memories I have made through this program. Also, if you are reading this ten years from now, know that I am probably still wearing my Hillsboro Players t-shirts regularly. 

 

Philip Eigen (Spotlight Operator)

 

The knowledge and experience I have gained from these terribly short few years draw from me gratitude that I can only attempt to pay back through my hardest and highest quality work. It is with this perspective that I wish to grant a more direct thanking. Thank you to those who work largely behind the scenes. Thank you to those like Frankie who put in roughly 65 hours over the course of the week to provide outstanding lighting. While the crew chiefs put in commendable labor, I wish to specially recognize those of the “lowest” titles who deserve no less recognition. Thank you to everyone I have worked with for making these years great. I must also extend my thanks and love to the Butlers.

​

Rachel Wike (Alice Murphy)
 

I have never experienced another community as enriching and challenging as the Hillsboro Players. I began my time in this program a shy freshman watching from the sidelines, and I will be ending it with confidence and life skills that I will take with me into my future educational and career endeavors. I am so grateful that the Players, especially the Butlers, have given me a space to do what I love. And while I have gained so much personal fulfillment from performing, the fun I’ve had with the amazing people in this program is what made the hard work so worthwhile. I love you guys, and I will miss you so much. Thank you for everything.

 

Rose Tidwell (Well-Dressed Woman/Ensemble)

 

My grandmother laid the groundwork for my love of theatre when I was young. The Hillsboro Players provided me the opportunity to express that love of theatre to the world. My many theatrical roles—crew member, stage manager, ensemble member—within this program taught me the value of communication, cooperation, commitment, confidence, and so many skills that transcend the boundaries of theatrical performance. I feel incredible gratitude for the Butlers, Ms. Ganske, my fellow cast and crew members, the production team, and all the parents who enabled this program to flourish. You gave me a space to learn, grow, excel, and love. I will cherish the memories we made together for the rest of my life. Play on!

 

Ryan Fahey (Mayor Josiah Dobbs)
 

The Hillsboro Players gave me a place to foster my love for theatre as well as my skill. I am immensely thankful to everyone I came in contact with through the program because they have influenced me into becoming who I am today, and that is someone I am proud of being. I am so glad I was able to be a part of this program, and I will remember it for the rest of my life.

​