SENIOR REFLECTIONS​

​

Jeru Hall (Benedick)

Being in the Hillsboro Players has not only been an honor, but a community I will forever remember. Going through seven different casts with new faces and faces I will never see again is a hard thing to look back on, but it is bittersweet after three years. This troupe not only taught me how to act, but it also taught me how to grow as a person. Through every character I’ve explored, I’ve learned how to make lifelong friends, be myself, communicate, and of course how to do a box step or singing dynamics (thank you Ms. Denise and Ms. G). I love theatre because I love the joy it brings to people, how it brings people together, and that it can be anything you want it to be. I joined theatre because my mom wanted me to do The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe instead of doing football. The Butlers giving me an opportunity to play Tweedledee in Alice in Wonderland with a cast I will never forget is something I can never thank them enough for. Coming into high school as a freshman who only gave theatre one chance in middle school, and coming out of high school applying to colleges to study theatre is a surreal experience. Whether it’s interning for Mr. Butler, turning in things late to Mrs. Butler, or just being Jeru, I don’t where I would be without the Players. I can’t wait for y’all to see me in my first lead!

​

Quinn Merryman (Costume Crew Chief)
 

When I was in 5th grade me and my mom came to see Into the Woods here at Hillsboro, I remember instantly feeling the magic that the Hillsboro players captures with every show. When I was a freshman, I had no doubt that I wanted to be a part of this community I was so eager to join but had no idea the immense impact it would have on me. I quickly fell in love with Mrs. Butler and all the cast and crew. I was enchanted by the costumes and the storytelling; it is rare in high school for students to feel such a strong sense of belonging, but theater has always felt like home. Being the costume crew chief has taught me leadership and problem-solving skills that I will forever be thankful for. Will Gowan and Toby Silverman are two kind talented people whom I would have never got the pleasure of knowing so profoundly without this program bringing us together. Thank you to our talented director and music director who have been the two greatest role models and second family to me, thank you to the costumers who have taught me everything I know I would be nowhere without their guidance. It has been a privilege to have been a small part of something so big here at Hillsboro I will forever cherish my time as a Hillsboro player.

​

Allison Root (Hair & Wig Crew Chief)

 

I joined the Hillsboro Players in my sophomore year, starting my journey with Mr. and Mrs. Butler with my first show, Eurydice. The Hillsboro players allowed me to branch out of my own grade and meet others with the same shared interests. I was enchanted by what goes on backstage during the performance and was shocked how big of an impact the people I met during that first show made. I feel as if I have made a family with the cast and crew, many who I am still friends with even after productions. I have greatly cherished my time here with the Butlers and look forward to my last two productions with the Hillsboro Players.  
 

Trinity Will (House Manager)

The time that I have spent as a Hillsboro Plays, even though it has been short, has been amazing. The only thing that I can think of when it comes to being a Hillsboro Plays, is that I should have been in more plays. My first ever play was Alice in Wonderland. I was a part of Set Build, and from that moment I kept wanting to do more. After Alice in Wonderland, it was The Wizard of OZ, and All Shook Up. I continued to be a part of ushers and set build, because of the warm community of being a Hillsboro Player. The Butlers, Crew, and Cast are all amazing people and have made my experience so much better. I never thought that I would continue being a Hillsboro Player, but working with everyone changed how I looked at theater. I have learned so much from everyone and I must thank the Butlers for being such great role models and teaching me so much. If you want to be a Hillsboro Player and don’t know if you will fit in, don’t worry you will and will have a wonderful time being a Hillsboro Player. 
 

Koevyn Dutoit (Costume Crew)

 

Being in tech for the Hillsboro Players has been such good fun! I’ve worked costumes for Great Gatsby, Mean Girls, and now Much Ado about Nothing! These shows have been awesome and I’m so glad to have been a part of them. The biggest skill I’ve learned is working under pressure especially during Mean Girls, which was a difficult show. I’ve not only strengthened relationships but made new ones. I want to shout out Quinn who is the costume crew chief. She’s so kind and really helps guide people where they need to go. Theatre is all about working together and I’ve become so appreciative of the actors communicating and working with us on quick changes! I will always look back on these experiences remembering the great community Hillsboro Players has made. None of these productions would be possible without all of the help so thanks to all of those who have provided materials, food, donations, and your time. Thank you to the Butlers and Mrs. O’ Neal for being right there with us!
 

Clara Thorsen (Production Stage Manager)
 

It is crazy to me that I have spent four years with the Hillsboro Players. As a freshman, I started this program as an usher. I thought it was a cool program, but only saw myself going so far. I had never really been a theater lover. When I was offered the stage manager role, I hesitated to take it. (I was sure the only reason I had been offered it was I had once vacuumed the theater carpets!) I worried I would not live up to the other Stage managers before, but I accepted the shot. The first year of being a stage manager was a lot to figure out. It was all new, and I was growing accustomed to the responsibilities and role I had to play in the Hillsboro Players. By year 2, I was confident and relatively well-versed in what I was doing, but there were only 2 stage managers for the play. That year was the toughest. I was carrying most of the load and responsibility of the SM team and figuring out how I wanted to make my mark in this program. The best I could do was advocate for what people needed and what the Butlers needed. I hope I did a good job. As a senior in this program, I have no regrets. This program brings so much joy and fulfillment into my life, and I have enjoyed every part of it. I am always learning, making mistakes, and growing in my role. It has taken me a while, but this program has let me accept my mistakes and taught me to engage and lead people who are nothing like me. I love everyone in the program with all my heart, and I wish that when I leave, the program will remember who I am and the impact I hope to make. I have forever been changed. 

​

Maranda Clark (Ursula)

​

Whether it was putting on extravagant productions for my parents in the basement or playing Ursula. I have been a part of theatre productions for 9 years. I have participated in theatre in two states, four schools, and played a role in fifteen productions, however; the Hillsboro players have pushed me to gain knowledge in ways I could have never imagined. The culture of the Hillsboro players has been one of love, support, honesty, and a drive to improve. The expectations set by directors encouraged me to constantly evolve and learn how to do my job as a form of art. The players have also taught me substantial life lessons of perseverance, patience, passion, and immersing myself into what I love. My experience with the players dared me to adventure outside of the role of actress , become more self-aware, more willing to be a leader, and more willing to try new things. Thank you, Mr., and Mrs. Butler for helping me fall back in love with theatre.

​

Sadie Hord (Antonia)

Coming to Hillsboro my freshman year and hearing about the theatre program was so exciting. I had no idea what was in store for me over the next 4 years of being a part of this wonderful program. Starting in tech as an usher for Alice in Wonderland, I remember sitting in those seats and watching the performance every night thinking “I want to be on that stage.” I hope to continue to be with the people I have met while in this program for the rest of my life. This show in particular, I have gotten so close to so many amazing people who help push me and keep my head held high. I wouldn't trade my experience in this program for the world. I want to thank, specifically, Mrs. Butler for being my biggest cheerleader. She has always pushed me to be more and reach my full potential and I couldn't thank her enough. I also want to thank my mom for supporting my efforts and coming to every show I've been in. I wouldn't be here without her and I want her to know how much she means to me. Finally, I want to shout out Will Gowan for being the best human being to walk into my life. You have always been such a joy and I will love you till the end of time. Thank you to everyone in this program who has helped me grow in so many ways and I will carry these experiences and these people with me forever. 
 

Tilly Gershbein (Run Crew Chief)

 

In my many shows with the Hillsboro players I have gained so much. I have made lifelong friendships, irreplaceable memories, and learned so many life lessons. Since the first day of tech week for Alice in Wonderland I knew that this was my place. I have found people who make me feel safe and loved. I don’t know what I would do without these people in my life. My friends and the experiences I have had made me the person I am today. I owe so much to the Hillsboro players. Thank you for making my high school experience. 

​

Darilyn Finch (Friar Francis)
 

Throughout life's ups and downs, The Hillsboro Players have been a constant community I could always go to for support. When I first joined The Hillsboro Players, I was extremely nervous that I wouldn’t be accepted into the community because I didn’t know anyone in the program, nor did I have prior theater experience.  Nevertheless, I was welcomed with open arms. The Hillsboro Players have not only been a source of strength, but also a space for development in skills, mindset, and confidence. I will forever be in debt to this community, specifically the Butlers, for all the love, assistance, time, and opportunities they have given. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of something magical!​

​

Isaac Miller (Light Crew Chief)

​

Being involved with the Hillsboro players is the best decision I made my freshman year. I will say that I have learned so much working with this program that I would’ve never started learning had I never joined. Since starting I feel that I have been Implemented into community that will forever hold. I have met some amazing people who I would’ve most likely never gotten to know had I never joined. This has been my favorite experience in all of High school, and I would say to anyone thinking about joining the Hillsboro players either as cast or crew, just try it out it could be community and amazing experience that you’ve been looking for. Thank you to the Butlers for giving me this amazing opportunity and memories that I will forever cherish.

​

Ben Bodenheimer (Borachio)

​

The few shows I have been in with the Hillsboro Players have been some of my favorite memories of high school. Everyone in theatre has been a joy to work with and I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else. I feel as though I have grown a lot since joining theatre and that it will be a big part of my character forever. Having my only prior theatrical experience being Theatre Arts 1, going into my first show, I felt out of place and not in my element. I was quickly proven wrong thanks to the welcoming environment and felt like I had always been apart of the group. Thanks to all the friends I made in theatre, the directors, and everyone else in the players. My only regret is that I wished I would have joined sooner.

​

Grey Flowers (Don John)
 

Coming to a new school in sophomore year was hard for me, but it was so easy to find a community in theatre. The spring before I moved to Nashville, I was in town looking for houses; my family and I went to see The Hillsboro Players’ Wizard of Oz. I thought it was absolutely stunning and knew it was where I wanted to go. Now, three years after seeing a Hillsboro Players show for the first time, I can confidently tell my younger self I made the right choice. The Hillsboro Players feels like a home away from home, and I enjoy creating art and putting work into something that people can enjoy. This community helped me overcome my fear of performance and putting myself out on stage, and I have been changed into a better person through my three years in this program.

​

Estie Nissensen (Run Crew)

​

Working in Hillsboro’s theater has been an enlightening experience. Here, I have learned more efficient ways to communicate and make friends. One of the things I love about theater is the sense of community. As tech week goes on, we all get closer and form meaningful bonds. I am so happy I made friends within my crew. A rushed introduction led to a powerful bond. I got opportunities to socialize with people I wouldn’t otherwise through tech. People outside my grade who I wouldn’t interact with are now in my life. It’s interesting to watch everyone grow up and develop into their own personality. I have learned beneficial make up techniques through my crew chief. My favorite one was learning how to apply fake eyelashes. This year, I’m in run crew for Much Ado About Nothing! I am excited to try something new after three years. I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Butler for making this possible!

​

Ben Kitchel (Production Assistant)

​

I am so thankful for my experiences in theatre. I have been so lucky to be part of a program which creates opportunities for students to learn how to work as a team. Working tech and playing in the pit band will be two parts of my high school experience which I am not likely to forget. Working with Mr. Butler and Kendall are some of my fondest memories at Hillsboro. Set construction turned out to itch a part of my brain that I didn’t know needed itching. The physical sensation of working with the set and the puzzle of figuring out how to make everything work was extremely satisfying. It is an experience I will probably not have again, and so I will cherish this one for a long time to come.

​​

Ian Talbert (Sound Crew Chief)

​

I ponder the amount of time that I could have spent with the Hillsboro Players, and I think I wish I had joined sooner than I did. Nevertheless, I have enjoyed all the moments from sound crew: Sharing laughs over our dumb overlooks, eating delicious meals together at dinner, and making good conversation in the hallway behind the theater. The friends I’ve made during tech crew have been phenomenal listeners, engaging crew members, and always willing to lend a hand. I wouldn’t trade the world for those friends. Also, their dedication and hard work is an inspiration for the younger folk in theater who want to find their place. So, involve yourself as soon as you can; You’ll find so much more satisfaction in your high school career.

​

Faith Thaher (Hair/Wig Crew)
 

I originally got involved with the Hillsboro Players because of a friend of mine, and it seemed like a good opportunity to explore my passion for styling hair. I want to go to Cosmetology School (a cute little beauty school would be fun!)  I am so glad I had this experience during my time here at Hillsboro.

​

Salem Everett (Makeup Crew Chief)
 

This is actually my 6th show with the HIllsboro Players. This has been an amazing chance to gain experience in working with theatre makeup. I am very passionate about makeup- it comes naturally to me, and I will be going to cosmetology school. This experience will definitely help me continue to develop real world skills. I am so grateful for my friends alongside me in theatre- they will always be a part of my life. It has been great working with Mrs. Butler, and I am thankful I got to know her- she has taught me so much.

​

Andrii Holovah (Set Crew & Light Crew)
 

This performance for me was the first in which I took part. I really liked the performances of the previous years and thought about signing up for the tech team this year, which I did. I had a lot of fun during all the days of participation; I really like the team and how we worked together. Here I was able to satisfy my engineering side, I built a lot and had fun) I also learned to work with stage lighting and install it, which was a novelty for me. For me, it was an interesting pastime, although it is quite exhausting, but it is also very pleasant to take part in such large preparatory actions, which, thanks to the joint work of many, will lead to such a wonderful performance. I will definitely participate next time.

​