The world smiles with bright, shiny teeth

Though this is not practice, this e-mail demands inclusion. It's one of those things that both hits someone like a sledgehammer with humility and showers one with blessing at the same time. From Jeff, my old drama prof and current director:

To the cast and crew of "Married and Ravenous in New York":

Thanks to all of you for a wonderful show this afternoon, and congratulations on a tremendous showing at the awards ceremony!

As you know, sixteen shows were entered in this year's district one-act festival. I was very proud that you earned one of those Superiors, but only three of them could be chosen to go on to the Florida State Thespian Festival, so imagine how much prouder I became when the judges named our production as one of the three!

And then there was the icing on the cake ... Jake Harrelson's being named to the festival's All-Star Cast for his performance as Irwin, Alex Johnson's winning the festival's Best Actor prize for his performance as Dr. Stanley, and our wonder-working backstage gang's taking the award for Best Technical Crew.

We owe a *huge* debt to Miss J.B. for her set and for her training of our crew, so make sure that all of you thank her the next time you see her.

Of course, there has to be a special shout-out to our playwright (and Stanton alumnus) Adam Darragh, who is also getting a copy of this e-mail. Adam, we couldn't have done this without you, and you should know that the judges specifically praised your script when they met us in the critique room, mentioning how clever and funny it is.

I am tremendously happy for all of you, and I thank you for the contribution that each of you made in representing Stanton at the festival.

Here's looking forward to more performances at school in two weeks, and again in Tampa in April!