Performing at the Lost Colony Theatre

Over the summer, the cast of "Grease" performed at the Lost Colony Theatre in Manteo, North Carolina. This was a tremendous experience for the cast. The entire process was unbelievable for me. This trip began when I arrived at lunch, which the cast of Oklahoma provided for us. After lunch, the cast drove back to the dorms and they began going through the house with excitement. We were then invited back to the theatre to eat dinner and see the performance of "Oklahoma". This show was hilarious and the cast very talented. My mother was along on the trip and loved "Oklahoma" too, she laughed and she does have a distinct laugh. Everyone got to know her for her laugh! There was a cast party after the show and we were all invited to that too. I had the opportunity to meet and talk with the cast members. Back at the dorms, the house was full of talk about how good the show was and how much everyone enjoyed it. We had our performance the next night. We started our day with rehearsal at the open theatre. By the time we were to rehearse, the sun, heat and our sweat was unbelievable. We had so much sand all stuck to us, that by the time we returned to the dorm that late afternoon, we had a trail of sand following us! We all got ready and went back for the show. They had to hold the opening of the show because they were still selling tickets. It was sooooo exciting because they nearly sold out and it was the largest audience in attendance for a show outside of the Lost Colony production! I hope I get to perform there again! The people and the experience of working in that environment was priceless! The Hurrah Players have been invited back to perform at the Lost Colony again next summer!
Michael Johnson

A Life Lesson

I guess most parents want to provide settings for their children that help them to find their ways to successful lives. Our plan involves having our son involved in organizations that are comprised of successful positive young people and adults. In addition to the guidance by parents, the examples offered by the peers and inspiration from the adult leaders may be the best encouragement for young people. We have been very fortunate that he is in a school, church youth group and in the Hurrah Players that all provide young people with positive encouragement to become successful people. I would like to discuss Hurrah in this light.

A young person's involvement in Hurrah brings him/her into contact with other young people who continually strive to compete and perform successfully. The rehearsals, auditions and performances serve to immerse the performers in very hard work but it is always couched in atmosphere where the focus is on improvement. Of course, there is competition to get into plays and to obtain the most desirable roles. However, competition characterizes most aspects of successful lives. Competition at Hurrah does not appear to produce feelings of defeat or ill will toward the other young actors but it does increase the desire to perform better at the next audition.

Involvement with the Hurrah Players produces increased confidence in public presentations and success in working with others. The directors of the theater, music and dance convey positive, encouraging lessons enabling the young actors to have confidence in tackling current and future goals. Participation in auditions for each play prepares them for increased success in future interviews with colleges and jobs. They learn how to respond spontaneously to sometimes unanticipated questions. Of course, first auditions can cause jitters, but the reviewing panels respond with encouragement and each additional audition becomes a little easier.

There is another important aspect to the way in which the Hurrah Players encourage success. The preparation required for a play brings the young people together in fairly intensive but mutually supportive enterprises that produce close friendships. These friends celebrate the successes of each other and this along with the encouragement of the staff provides the foundation for a well rounded successful adult.

The confidence developed in successfully completing the many auditions, performing on stage before large audiences. These activities along with the warm involvement in a positive peer culture enhance opportunity for success in future goals whether or not these goals involve theatrical performances. This training will serve these young people well in many aspects of life regardless of whether they are involved in theater or not. I am very happy that my son has developed a love of performing, close personal friendships and a sense of acomplishment through his participation in the Hurrah Players.

Garland White

Why I like Hurrah

I like Hurrah because I love to act, sing, and dance and Hurrah gives me that chance. I get to audition, perform and have fun! I's love to become an actor someday. I have met alot of new friends at Hurrah and I love it. I have been a Hurrah Player for three years. I believe that everyone can be a performer.

I love all the teachers here. They are so awesome! They are nice. All the productions I have been in are wonderful. I would love it if you would be in one too!

Megan Boehmcke

"A Parent's point of View"

Being involved in the Hurrah Players gives your child the same opportunities that being involved in competitive sports, scouts or other youth oriented activities would offer - the chance to make good friends, work hard toward a common goal, develop social skills, exercise, have fun and gain self-confidence, but most importantly learn that even the smallest parts matters greatly when you strive to be your very best! There are life lessons that you will not learn from TV, the computor or video games. I am so thankful that my son found this outlet for his teenaged energy! The benefits for him are truly immeasurable.

Jo White, parent

Finding a new home!

A few weeks before school started, I found out I couldn't go to my dance studio any longer. I was crushed because I didn't think I would ever be able to dance again. The next day, my mom was already looking up other options for me to perform. Then I thought about Taylor Drumwright. She goes to my school and I remember that she had been the leading role in "Annie". I learned of the Hurrah Players and immediately got an application form. I finally found a place to dance, and even better, I could sing and act too!! Musical Theatre was my first class and I was so happy with it. People were so nice to me. Hugh, Cathy and Lisa treated me so well and I had so much fun! "Holidays In Virginia" was my first show and it was a BIG step for me. My first time singing and dancing on stage and I was scared. Right away everyone confronted me and told me not to worry and that I would be GREAT! They were right! I gained such confidence and had such a fun time that I couldn't wait for the next show! Hurrah has given me confidence and experience that I would not have gotten at a dance only studio. Now I have friends, great teachers and a passion for performing, and skills I didn't even know I had. Without Hurrah in my life, I am not sure what I would be doing! I have them to thank for everything. Now that I am in my third showm I cannot wait for more!

Carmen Wiley

What Hurrah Means to Me

What Hurrah means to me is moving across the country to an entirely new home, and finding a place that you always wish you could be at more often. It means great shows with really nice people. It means going into an audition and having everyone smile at you before you start. It means great classes with amazing instructors. Hurrah is a place where people want you to succeed. It's a place where you can ask a question and you always know you'll get an answer. Hurrah is a place where dreams come true!

Stephanie Kelleher