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)

 

I feel so grateful for being a part of this beautiful community of big-hearted and wonderful humans over the past several years. I will never forget the excitement we share on opening night and all of the long and often tear-filled hugs I gave to those who were strangers to me only a week ago. I have loved building the makeup crew and watching it grow into its own beautiful tradition that I hope will last far longer than I will be around. I cannot wait to see all of the beautiful art that emerges from this program in the future. It will always have such a big place in my heart. Thank you all for these incredible opportunities and for making me feel so at home. Keep being your wonderful selves. With all of my love, Ava.
 

Bernard Simmons (George Wilson)

 

I've been with the players since freshman year, starting with Bright Star. Since then I've  been both on stand and behind the scenes a multitude of times. From the beginning I was treated with love and respect from my senior cast members and I wish to show the same treatment that those like Virgina, Allen, Ryan, and Leo showed me. The main ones I have to thank if you ask me are none other than the Butlers. They are truly legendary when it comes to things like direction, set design, and so much more involving our shows. I couldn't have wished for a more welcoming duo.

 

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, and Clara, 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!
 

Elizabeth Williams (Light Crew & QLab Op)
 

Being forced to join theater was one of the best decisions of my high school career. Even as a young sophomore, I felt such a community with this group of people, despite not having any prior experience. Last year, I was asked to operate the sound board and work on light crew, despite knowing literally nothing about sound. I’m forever grateful for the Butlers trust in me to perform both jobs. Mrs. Butler especially has seen the ups and downs of QLab, and she has always managed to put a smile on my face even when we both have no idea what we’re doing. Theater has become my safe space and I am so lucky to be apart of this community. Despite the long hours throughout tech week, each hour is so worth it to watch each show come together. I want to thank my friends for encouraging me to pursue theater in the first place, and I want to thank the Butlers and Ms. G for trusting me with the sound board, and always believing in me!

 

Emma Johnson (Run Crew)

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When I entered the world of theater in Middle School, I only did so because I had a crush on someone else who was into drama. While that relationship went nowhere, theater 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 theater 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 theater. It's an honor to be a part of this community.
 

Éowyn Wagner (Daisy Buchanan)
 

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)

 

The Hillsboro players has shown me so many new things, from creative aspects to just overall relationships. It has been such an amazing experience, laughing, having fun, working hard, and growing skills. Sophomore year I started tech, nervous from COVID and worried I wouldn’t do well. I’ve grown to love and adore everyone I’ve met and worked with. Admiring the creativity and community HHS players have made. The Butlers, Cast and Crew, and even volunteers have been nothing but amazing and beautiful people. I can’t wait to continue Theatre in college and help create magical worlds just as the Butler's did for my all of my time in High School!

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Lex Khimenko (Party Guest)
 

When I first came to Hillsboro, I had a rough time getting to know people and making friends. I had enjoyed theatre before; however, I hadn't yet felt that connected with a theatre community until after the fall play of my sophomore year. An upperclassman named Virginia Fleming was the person who really invited me back onto the stage. This has led me into a great group of friends, now family, of people who I can finally call "my people." Without Virginia, I would have never grown into the person who I am today. I finally found the place where I feel like I truly belong.

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Maggie Howard (House Manager)

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I’m grateful to be a part of the Hillsboro players and have a community here forever! Since my first show I’ve felt so welcome and loved by the Butlers and my fellow players. From old age makeup 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’ve grown to look further into and enjoy symbolism and concepts in shows and art through the genius of our creative team. I’m lucky to have experienced both the tech and actor side of the players. One of my favorite parts of theatre is how powerful it can be as a social (dare I say political!) tool and I’m honored to have been a part of so many important and meaningful shows here at Hillsboro. 
 

Maeve Bixler (Mrs. McKee/Party Guest)

 

Joining the Hillsboro Players my Sophomore year of high school was the best decision I could have possibly made. Through this program, I have found my true family and have made some incredible relationships with people whom I will never forget. My very first show with the Hillsboro Players was The Wizard of Oz, and ever since then I knew that this is where I wanted to be. I am forever grateful for the opportunities that my directors and mentors have bestowed upon me. Attending rehearsals after school gives me a right of passage to pursue something I’m passionate about, but I’m able to learn so much and grow my craft because of the experiences we are given and the opportunities we have. Mrs. Butler, Mr. Butler, Mrs. Denise, and Ms. G, thank you all for teaching me to not only be a strong and independent individual, but furthermore teaching me that I am deserving of kindness, loyalty, and respect. I feel the way that the four of you root for me, and it fuels me to continue with acting and theatre. I will forever be thankful for this program and everything I have learned. I will miss this team and everyone involved so dearly.

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Nessie Resseguier (Myrtle Wilson)
 

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
 

Xander Kline (Tom Buchanan)

 

I have always been told you only ever regret the things you didn’t do, I only ever realized the truth of that after my time with the Players. When Covid hit, I withdrew from everything, quitting my 8th grade show, being shut in with my grandma, and missing out on my real freshman year experience. Sophomore year I finally came back to school, tried wrestling, wasn’t very good and ended up doing set crew for Wizard of Oz, and I loved it! The set was extraordinary, the fear I felt when putting up that massive brick arch only built into more pride for when I saw the set in all it’s glory! But it still felt like something was missing from my time at high school. So after some begging from Mr. Butler and the encouragement from my friend Eowyn (shoutout), I finally auditioned for Eurydice in my Junior year, and I got the role of The Lord of the Underworld, quite the starting role if I do say so myself. A trench coated creeper turning into a theatrical child was a hard bar to clear for my first ever high school show. But that’s what I love about the Players, they will never, ever, ever let you lower the bar. They will push you further than you thought you could be pushed, and they will not let you fail. In one year, I’ve gone from an engineering major to an acting one, and I couldn’t be happier. Isn’t it crazy how quickly time flies by?

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