A very successful day . . .

So much happened in a short amount of time at our FIRST PRE-DRESS REHEARSAL on Saturday.  What may seem like a LONG day was actually packed with tons of things that just had to get done.

We've never had one of THESE before.  But with 500 costumes and close to 80 participants...days like this are what we thrive on as opportunities to move forward toward our collective goal.

This is the penultimate definition of Community Theater.

Thanks to Stacy Wilkin for fixing up an amazing lunch fundraiser, Sheila Rivera, Julio Lopes, Jr., and Mentor Evelyn Vargas.  (And special thanks to Sebastian).

Costume Creations and unbelievable fittings and organizing session attended by Lori Brigham, Karina Burgos,  Nancy Aronsen, Wanda Reyes, Connie Nucolo (Ms. Francis' Mom), and student leaders Kasandra Burgos, Khaleigha Jones, Destiny Berrios, Tamia C. and Gillian D. (8th graders in training).
Parent Leader and Support Nicole Sweet spent the day parked next to Ms. Francis and assisted with everything needed.  Costumes also made by (not not in attendance) Wilhemena Christon, Tracey Foskey, and teacher Crystal Solano.

Tech Director Benjamin Croll (SCSU), Supervisor William Slusky, and Light Technologists Jordan Lewis and Jason Denny ran the first full tech run-through with precision and ease.  Tech in training, Gabriel Burgos, was also on hand to help.

Stage Crew Kendall Griffiths (UCONN) and Christopher Maddox (UCONN), both former mentors in the Daedream Program, returned this year to participate in the stage crew experience.  Stage Manager Noah Potasz was absent in his attendance to the ESUMS Expo - and he and his team WON FIRST PLACE!  (more on all three of these guys in upcoming articles).  Thanks to mentor Maria 

Cervantes (Class of 2017 from Career) to also making the rehearsal run smoothly both in the dressing room and the stage wings.

No rehearsal can be complete without the MENTOR STAFF!  Many thanks to our codirectors, Kevin and Torey, and our mentors/leaders Deandre, Shayna, Cheyenne, Marlon, Radcliffe, Maria and Ronald for all of their hard work, dedication and outstanding performances that set the bar for what we expect from our cast.

So . . .a little thought for all involved!