Student Shout Outs

SENIOR REFLECTIONS​

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Jeru Hall (Officer Lockstock)
Being in the Hillsboro Players has not only been an honor, but a community I will forever remember. Going through eight 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 nearly four years. 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 Mrs. 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 going to Belmont to study Acting 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 perform my first lead in a musical! After being eight different yappers, this one has certainly been the most rewarding. Enjoy the show!

Clara Thorsen (Production Stage Manager)

I decided to become a player 4 years ago thinking it was just another extra curricular activity, something to put on my college resume. But I had no Idea of how it would effect me. My decision to sweep the stage was one of the best decisions I have ever made. (I am positive that is the only reason I became a stage manager.) Sophomore year was very diffrent, going from usher to assistant stage manager was a very big jump but I loved it the moment I went to the first auditions. Each new challenge taught me more about myself and how to lead. It also made me appreciate the hard wok that goes into a theater production. The most rewarding show I have ever done as a Hillsboro Player was The Great Gadsby, this was also the most stressful. That production there was only two stage managers and most of the pressure was on me to make sure everything ran correctly. When that play was done I was very proud of myself and the people that made the production run smoothly. That production holds a special place in my heart because it taught me what kind of leader I wanted to be. I wanted to be the kind of leader to build people up and cheer them on. I wanted to be the leader that you can always go to if you need help. Going into Urinetown, I am a completely diffrent person then I was freshman year. I have met so many amazing people that I will never forget. I have also learned so many diffrent things that I would not know without being a hillsboro player. (If you need help putting on stilts, I am your girl). I will always remember the time that I was a Hillsboro Player! I would recommend this program to anyone who will listen to me. Thank you to each and every person, you have helped me grow and change into the person I want to become. You have helped a lot more people then I think you realize and I am so grateful to all that the Hillsboro Players have taught me. I am so proud that I was able to call myself a Hillsboro Player!        

Isaac Miller (Light Crew Chief/Board Op)

Working with the players has always been one of the best parts of the school year for me and it holds so many fond memories of working with different people. I first joined my freshman year because I found a knack for building things and wanted something to channel it into, however it soon turned into something I felt that I had been apart of and could make genuine contributions too. For that opportunity I will forever be grateful to the Butlers. 
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Tilly Gershbein (Run Crew Chief/Props Crew)​

The Hillsboro Players have been a crucial part of my high school experience since day one. Ever since my first show, Alice in Wonderland, I knew I wanted to be part of these productions all through high school. Over the years I have made strong friendships, irreplaceable memories, and have been able to grow in all aspects of my life. The different roles that I’ve had over eight shows have helped me find myself and taught me a lot about myself. I have found people who make me feel safe and loved; I don't know what I would do without them. I can't thank this program and the Butlers enough for the impact they have had on my life. High school would not have been the same without them. 
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Koevyn Dutoit (Costume Crew)​

​Being in tech for the Hillsboro Players has been lots of fun! I’ve worked costumes for The Great Gatsby, Mean Girls, Much Ado About Nothing, and now Urinetown, my last show. 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 had stressful costume changes. I have met so many great people and had lots of good laughs. I want to shout out Quinn Merryman, the costume crew chief. She is so amazing and helpful, and I'm so glad she was by my side through it all! Theatre is all about working together to bring a show to life, and I’ve become very appreciative of those who always look out for others in need of help. I will always look back and remember these great shows and the people I've met along the way. Thank you to the Butlers for creating a space to let people's creativity flow and make these shows happen!
 

Sadie Hord (Josephine Strong)

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 myself 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 and AK Dukes for being the best human beings to walk into my life. You both have always been such a joy and I will love y’all 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. 
 

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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,
Thad 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 with 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.

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Lily Cate Allen (Run Crew)​

I’ve seen every single Hillsboro Players show since my freshman year, and there’s nothing quite like sitting in the audience and watching the Players express their creativity and exhibit their passion. I joined tech to be a part of the incredible community that Hillsboro Players cultivates, and to be a part of the amazing stories that they tell! My experience, while short, has been exciting and memorable; and I know that these moments are ones that I will carry with me for years to come. 
 

Maranda Clark (Cladwell's Secretary)
The Hillsboro players have pushed me to gain knowledge in ways I could have never imagined. The culture of the players is one of love, support, honesty, and a drive to improve. The expectations set by directors encourage actors and crew to constantly evolve and learn how to do their job as a form of art. Previous schools had taught me to set low expectations for myself which caused my knowledge of theater to falter in significance in comparison to the rest of my knowledge. The players have also taught me substantial life lessons of perseverance, patience, passion, and immersing myself into what I love. The stage to me is a symbol of the culture my directors and colleagues have fostered to encourage an environment of learning. My second production with the players, mean girls, taught me the amounts of work necessary to a production as an actor. While I knew the work was substantial from previous performances, this production brought it to the next level. The culture of Hillsboro players has encouraged me to learn more about theatre. The players have such an exciting and loving culture that stimulates the gaining of knowledge.
 

Grey Flowers (Poor Ensemble/Cop Ensemble)

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 on stage, and I have been changed into a better person through my three years in this program. Thank you to everyone involved in this wonderful program. I hope y’all have many more years of good shows. 
 

Darilyn Finch (Penelope Pennywise)

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!
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Toby Silverman (Bass Guitar)​

Passed down from my brother, the Hillsboro players have become a family tradition and an important part of my highschool experience. As I'm sure many of these reflections will tell you, the community that has been cultivated is unlike any other in the school. Every soul that steps into the theatre and participates either on stage or off adds to this ever growing family of bright and artistically inclined students. I have personally found immense joy both on stage and off. During my time as an actor in the program, the Butlers carefully guided me while simultaneously pushing me to my limits. The challenges they set before you are exactly what make these shows so beautiful and the process so edifying. But this program is not linear either. You are not just an actor. You are not just working mics or making costumes. You can ebb and flow through whichever role feels like you at that present moment. I was able to switch from the stage to the band with the new addition of our wonder pit orchestra. Ms. G leads a boisterous and exciting band through some impressive music. It is a new sect of this program that I have come to love and find so enjoyable. This program is charming and filled with life that is ready to learn and explore. I’ve found deep friendship, heartfelt community, and limitless mentors that have made my limited time at this school worth every second.
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Allison Root (Hair/Wig Crew Chief)

Being apart of the Hillsboro Players the past three years has been a wonderful experience for me. I’ve made many friends within our theater community and I am eternally grateful for everyone who devoted their time to help us put on our shows. I started out on costume crew, eventually finding my way to hair crew chief. My only regret about the Hillsboro Players is not joining sooner. I will always cherish these past few years with the Butlers. I wish the best for my fellow seniors and all their future endeavors. 
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Andrii Holovach (Light Crew/Set Crew)

I like doing this. Working on plays is always a new experience that brings me pleasure. I like taking part in the construction, meeting new people and learning new aspects of how things happen offstage. Although it takes a lot of time, for me it is more of a way to relax and spend time doing something that interests me.

Eden Torode (Percussion)

I remember the first HHS show I saw was Guys and Dolls, my siblings were a part of the pit orchestra for many shows. Since then I was inspired to do the same. Freshmen and sophomore year I helped paint sets and was in costume crew. This being my last year I joined pit orchestra and it has made my year. I thank Ms. G and the pit for all the laughs, even on the bad days I looked forward to rehearsals and knew we’d have a good time. 

Liam Chapman (Sound Crew)

Although I haven’t been in many shows, what I have experienced is unique from anything I’ve ever done before. I’ve learned a lot about the work and effort that goes behind making these shows a possibility. I enjoyed the time I spent with friends throughout the process. Everyone I met along this journey made it so much more enjoyable. Most importantly, it introduced me to the spirit of being apart of the Hillsboro Players. It has further enriched my high school experience. I wish I had done it sooner and been apart of more shows, but even this one was made into something impactful. Thank you to all who made this endeavor a fun experience to remember forever.

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