SENIOR REFLECTIONS​

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Abigail Mammo (Light Crew Chief)

An opportunity for personal growth and expanding my social circle, theater has been a core experience of my time here at Hillsboro. Starting in the Wizard of Oz and being introduced to the magical world of light by Kendall and Richard, I was able to explore an avenue of theater that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to explore otherwise. I thank the Butlers for creating a safe and welcoming space that has been the source of much joy for me. I thank my parents for their endless support throughout my theater journey and in all of my academic and extracurricular endeavors. While I hate having to say goodbye to this space, I look back at all my time spent with nothing but delight at all that we’ve accomplished together and the life-long memories we’ve created.
 

Atlas Harwell (Sound Crew Chief)
 

I’ve been with Hillsboro Players since my sophomore year. It was the greatest choice I made in my entire high school career. I’ve been working with Andy and all the equipment since. The Great Gatsby has been absolutely amazing to work on. I have loved every second. This is my final play here and I’m sad to say goodbye, but I have no doubt that Hillsboro Players will continue to do wonderful things. To Andy: Thank you for being patient with me and for answering all questions. You’re wonderful to work with and a wonderful mentor. To Grey: Thank you for sticking by my side and listening to my rambles since Eurydice. I know I haven’t known you very long but I’m so grateful to call you family. To My Best Friends: Thank you for being so supportive of me through all my changes and growing as a person. I love you all so dearly. To My Mom: Thank you for standing by me through absolutely everything. I love you so so much. To My Fellow Seniors: It’s been absolutely wonderful working with you through this. I have loved seeing every single one of you grow and become who you are now. Break a leg!! And To You Reading: Thank you for coming out to support Hillsboro Players! Enjoy the show. 

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Ava Thorsen (Makeup Designer)

 

My time designing makeup and leading the makeup crew over the past six Hillsboro players' shows has been a wonderful experience for which I am incredibly grateful. I have learned so much from both the challenges and successes. Most of all, I have grown through the beautiful connections that come from this community. The love and dedication of every person involved inspires me, and I am incredibly proud of all we do together. I am forever grateful to all of those I got the opportunity to share time and emotion with throughout this experience. So much love to all of you, and thank you.

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Bernard Simmons (Coach Carr/Ensemble)

 

I've been with The Hillsboro Players since my freshman year, starting with Bright Star. Since then, I've  been both  behind the scenes and on stage a multitude of times. From the very beginning I was treated with love and respect from my senior cast members and I hope I've given the same treatment that those like former players Virgina, Allen, Ryan, and Leo showed me. I have to thank the Butlers. They are truly legendary when it comes to things like direction, set design, and so much more involving our shows. Leaving this troop is a bittersweet transition as I head off to UTC to in the Fall.

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Charlotte Payne (Cady Heron)

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As my senior year is coming to an end I know I will always remember the wonderful memories I have made with The Hillsboro Players. From the first moment I met the Hillsboro players four months ago I felt loved and welcomed and I still feel loved and welcomed four months later. Being a part of the Hillsboro Players is more than just performing in shows, it's about fostering deep connections with students who share a love for theater. As I look back on my time with the Hillsboro players I am so grateful for the countless memories, friendships, and lessons learned along the way. Thank you, Hillsboro Players for an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, friends, and memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Delaney Fleming (Production Stage Manager)

 

When I was in middle school, I remember going to see the Hillsboro Players production of Guys and Dolls, and deciding that I wanted to be one of them. I joined the Players my freshman year, and was thrown into a COVID-era production as the only freshman on the tech crew. I. Was. Terrified. I was determined to make the Butlers like me, and spent all of tech week and strike following Mr. Butler around, and doing everything I could to help. The next year, I was offered the position of being a Stage Manager. My time with the Hillsboro Players has been the most exciting and meaningful few years of my life. I found my home and my people in this program. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Butler (and of course baby EJ) for welcoming me into their productions. Mrs. Butler has been such an incredible mentor for me these past four years and I cannot express how much love I have in my heart for her. Thank you to my friends, both past and present who have stuck by me backstage, especially to my wonderful fellow SMs, Emma Anne, Anna, Clara, and Maddie, who have spent SO MUCH time with me during the shows. Through theatre I have grown in my leadership, in my artistic abilities, and in my confidence. Thank you Hillsboro Players!
 

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Elizabeth Williams (Light Crew & QLab Op)
 

My only regret about this program is not joining sooner. I was a part of the run crew as a lowly sophomore, and even with little to no responsibilities, the theater became extremely impactful in my life. I made such amazing friends, was consistently surrounded by the sweetest community, and always had the Butlers around to ask my dumb questions to (and there were plenty)!! I am incredibly grateful for Mr. and Mrs. Butlers’s trust in my capabilities to run and operate the SFX board as well as continue to help with the light crew (due to my emotional attachment). Mrs. Butler and Ms. G were so helpful in the learning process of the soundboard and I’m so thankful for them letting me borrow their computers for the past performances!

Kendall and Abigail have been amazing light crew chiefs and friends, always there to gossip and hide in the prop shop with. I’m so grateful to Delaney, my friend and lead stage manager, for encouraging me to join the theater in the first place. I’m so happy to see Maggie on stage and she lights up the stage as Karen. Simone within the light crew is always there to goof off and joke around with. And I’m so grateful for Quinn and Will, friends I got close with this year, they are both so full of light and humor, and I’m so excited to see them continue to flourish within the Hillsboro theater program! I’m so thankful to my parents for continuing to push me in theater and not questioning me coming home late every night. Despite the long hours throughout tech week, each hour is so worth it to watch each show come together. Pure blood, sweat, and tears have gone into this production and I am so proud of what we have created! My theater experience is something I will never take for granted and always be so appreciative of. Theater isn’t something I plan to continue in college, but this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, and I am so happy that I joined in the first place!!

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Emma Johnson (Ensemble)

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When I entered the world of theatre in Middle School, I only did so because I had a crush on someone else who was into drama. While that relationship went nowhere, theatre discovered me. That one decision would change my life and view of performance forever. I was able to easily find my place in the ensemble as a dancer and I have learned that theatre is not just about performing; it's also about the shared experience, the bonds formed, and the stories told. It's about the joy of working as a team, the thrill of bringing a script to life, and the power of practice. My time with The Hillsboro Players has been a whirlwind of creativity, camaraderie, and growth. Thank you to Ms. Butler and Mr. Butler for pushing me out of my comfort zone and always believing in me. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey; for your unwavering support, your passion, and your dedication to the magic of theatre. It's an honor to be a part of this community.
 

Éowyn Wagner (Gretchen Weiners)
 

I first knew I wanted to be in the Hillsboro Players in 6th grade. I went to see their production of Into The Woods and I swear there were stars in my eyes. Right then I knew this is where I wanted to be, where I belonged. I have enjoyed every moment of my time here in the Hillsboro Players. Every show has been a new experience, challenge, and learning opportunity and I will carry these memories with me for as long as I am able. I want to thank the Butlers for giving me a chance and believing in me even when I thought “Really? me? Why?” Little sixth grade me could never have imagined that I would make it this far. Through them I have learned confidence and compassion not only for myself but for the people who surround me.Theatre has always been a home. It has cheered me on at my best and consolidated me at my worst. There is a familiarity about this experience that I could only describe as dream-like. I will always be grateful for this experience and devote myself to the art of this craft. I leave behind so much love and support for anyone fortunate enough to be a Hillsboro Player.

 

Kai Wood (House Manager)

 

Being a HHS player doesn’t include only the actors and cast, but also the tech crew. Through my high school life I wasn’t expecting to make great friends, meet such talented people, and even create a new passion for myself. The Butler’s have made countless shows so beautiful and inspiring. But this year is especially special, as I learned how to do different jobs in tech I learned a sense of family. I may not have been on stage, but experiencing the time and effort it takes as tech has been a wonderful hands on experience. I hope in college to continue this and to love it as much as I do now.
 

Lex Khimenko (Honorary Cast)

 

If anyone told me that I would have to go to a hospital instead of my last show at Hillsboro, I would've said that they're mistaken for even thinking that. 4 months later, I am surrounded by nothing but love and support from old friends, new friends, and my family. These groups of people have helped me and motivated me in more ways than even I could ever imagine. Even at my lower points, they have been the ones to bring me up. I'm genuinely thankful for everyone in the cast, because, without you guys, I never would have made the progress that I would have made up to this point. Break a leg, everyone!

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Maggie Howard (Karen Smith)

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I’m grateful to be a part of the Hillsboro players and have community here forever. Since my first show I’ve felt so welcome and loved by the Butlers and my fellow players! From old age make up to characterized butt scratching I’ve been pushed and supported time and time again. I’ve also had the joy of being in IB Theatre with Mrs. Butler. In it I’ve learned so much about the creator side of theatre which has made me all the more grateful for our incredible designers and directors. I’m lucky to now have experienced both the tech and actor side of the players. I’ve grown to look further into and enjoy symbolism and concepts in shows and art through the genius of our creative team. One of my favorite parts of Theatre is how powerful it can be as a social (dare I say political!) tool.  I’m honored to have been a part of so many important and meaningful shows here at Hillsboro. 

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Maeve Bixler (Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George)

 

Growing up, theater was a way for me to express myself in an extroverted and emotional way. I have been privileged to be able to practice my love of theater and music for my entire life through the support of my family and my teachers. Expressing myself in such ways brings me immense joy and happiness, and I love sharing it with others even more. The feeling of having a group where I know I am forever loved and supported is unlike anything else I’ve ever known. To Mrs. Butler, thank you for being my biggest cheerleader. I will never forget you for as long as I live, you are such a huge light in my life and I’m going to miss you so much next year. To Mr. Butler, Ms. G, and Mrs. Denise, thank you for being my mentors through the years. You all are the definition of a masterclass. Lastly, to my cast and crew, I love you all so much and am eternally grateful for the laughs, cries, and memories we have made. Make sure to tell those around you that you love them. I dedicate my final theater performance to my dear late friend, Grace Mackenzie Russel. February 7th, 2006 - March 3rd, 2022

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Nessie Resseguier (Regina George)
 

Being a Hillsboro Player for the last three years, I have found what I want to be. I have found that theatre is what I'm meant to do and it’s what I love most in this world. I owe so much of this passion to my directors, Kristin and Will Butler, Denise Eason, and Gillian Garnowski. These people have pushed me to my limits and make me the best version of myself every day. I look up to my directors so much and have realized through watching them work that this is what I want to be doing in life. I also want to thank all the great friends I’ve made along the way, especially the class of 2023 seniors. In my junior year, I was taught how to be a leader and now as a senior, I look to those examples I was given by my friends. I am so thankful for every little piece of this experience and wouldn’t take it back for anything. “How far that little candle throws its beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world.” -William Shakespeare

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Simone Longenecker (Light Crew/Spot Op)

 

I joined the light crew for the Players my sophomore year, and it’s given me some of the best memories of my high school career! As a spot op, I’ve made new friends (and become closer with others) after being stuck on the balcony for eight hours a day. It also keeps me away from the stress of backstage! I’ve loved being able to add to the productions of the musical and watch everything come together. I’m so thankful for my friends, who somehow make staying until 10 every night fun, and the members of light crew, especially Kendall and Richard - without them, the show would not be what it is. The two weeks I spend working on the musical are so rewarding, from light hang (literal blood, sweat, and tears), to spotting the show and having the best view every night. I’m so grateful for this experience and to the Butlers for creating such great work for us all to help bring to life!

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Xander Kline (Aaron Samuels)

 

It’s hard to quantify how much of an impact the Hillsboro players have had on me. As a student, as an actor, as a person, everything that makes me me has been influenced by something in the Players. But what is more important to me in my history of the players isn’t how they’ve affected me, but how I’ve affected others. I hope that when I’m gone, off attempting riskier endeavors or making shots in the dark, that there will be someone in Mrs. Butlers classroom, talking about me. Or someone far in the future, skimming through her walls of memories and seeing me riding a green tricycle in short shorts, or standing frozen while being sung at. I hope that no matter where I end up in life, someone will be affected positively by what I’ve done in the players, inspired to be better, pushing themselves to be helpful, never giving up no matter how many times they get sick during a production. No group I have ever been apart of has been more important than the Players, and I hope I have shown that, and hope they continue to inspire kids like they have me.

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Xavier Harper (Kevin G)

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There was a moment I considered not auditioning for my first Hillsboro Players production. That would have been the greatest regret of my senior year. I saw Gatsby just weeks before the audition for Mean Girls and seeing that show lit a fire in me to audition. I had previously done other shows at other theaters, but was motivated to join Hillsboro after their fresh new take on a classic like Gatsby. I knew I had to be a part of the magic. I am so thankful for the opportunity the Butlers have given me. I felt so welcomed into this family. Thank you to all the cast and crew members I have met. I am so glad I got the chance to play Kevin G. I will forever remember playing a comedic gangster nerd. Thank you for giving me a reason to act again, Hillsboro Players.

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