Showcase Sends Seniors Off on High Note

The Senior Project—a required internship or independent study for 3 weeks before graduation—was a perfect opportunity for them to create a night of musical theater that let them take center stage to pay homage to the "dream roles" that inspired them. On May 22 and 23, Mandy and Nate took their final bow as performers at the Dell Fine Arts Center.

Mandy and Nate selected three shows to integrate into a singular performance that would reflect their growth as performers. Scenes were selected from Nate's favorite show, "Sunday in the Park with George," and Mandy's favorite show, "Phantom of the Opera," as well as "Jekyll and Hyde." The short timeframe in which to prepare a production up to their standards was difficult. As Nate noted, "I've been so used to having more time to refine my performance, it's hard to get to that same level with less time, and we wanted to give it 100 percent." Nate was simultaneously working on another Senior Project, leaving the roles of producer and director to Mandy. With so much of her day spent coordinating set design, blocking, and costumes, Mandy noted the hardest part for her was "preparing my role as an actress. It was easy to say 'I'll do my lines or singing tonight' while I was in other meetings during the day. But then I'd get home and be exhausted." After trying to juggle so many responsibilities beyond their roles as actors, both Mandy and Nate agree that, "We have a whole new respect for the process, it's a lot of hard work."

Their favorite part of the process, the performance, did not disappoint the audience. Theatre Director Rick Garcia says, "I didn't expect to be moved to tears. I laughed; I cried. This endeavor epitomizes the Senior Project. Mandy and Nate embraced their passion and challenged themselves to end their high school year doing what makes them most alive." Choir Director Michael Rosensteel adds, "I have had the honor of working with both Mandy and Nate since they were in 7th grade.  I have watched them musically and artistically mature so much over these years.  Their senior project, from conception, through the long hours of work, to the heart-felt and emotional performance left many audience members, including Mr. Garcia and myself, in tears.  During their last song titled, 'Move On,' I was blown away. I saw two people display a deep connection, both as characters, and as trusted friends.  It was extremely moving.  I couldn't have been more proud of them."

Congratulations to Mandy and Nate on their artistic achievement. Stay tuned for more Senior Project highlights from the Class of 2015, they are an intelligent and ambitious group indeed!