A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:

In high school, I was a huge science fiction fan (okay, nerd).

My favorite collection was the Science Fiction Hall of Fame,
and one of its volumes contained a story by Clifford D. Simak
called “The Big Front Yard.” The story involves aliens taking
over the house of a small town antique collector/restorer and
using it to connect Earth with other planets. While this play
bears little resemblance to Mr. Simak’s story, it was that idea
which inspired me, and I like to give credit where credit is due
- hence the family name of the main character, Elise Simak.

Oyer’s Corners, as I’m sure many of you know, was the

original name of my home town of Springport. If you listen
carefully, you’ll also hear references to a few other locations
that are still on the Michigan map, even if you could drive
through them without ever noticing. Despite these local
connections, let’s get the disclaimer out of the way: This
play is a work of fiction, and any resemblance between its
characters and real persons, living or dead, is completely
coincidental. Unless it’s one of my family members or friends
who wouldn’t sue me. Then it’s mostly coincidental . . . or sort
of coincidental.

I’d like to thank Dr. Paul Patton for his input on this script,
and also Ben Kono and the host of SAU students who gave
it a staged reading in February. And, as noted in her senior
bio, I appreciate Melyssa Fitzpatrick’s help in developing the
character of Elise.

As always, it has been tremendous fun working with this

amazing group of young actors and actresses and watching
them bring these characters to life. May you enjoy watching
them as much as I have enjoyed directing them.

Dean L. Dyer
artwork by Brittanie Bice
 Scene Synopsis:
ACT I

Scene 1: A sidewalk in the city, late evening Friday.

Scene 2: Barb & Bett’s Flying Saucer Cafe, Saturday morning
Scene 3: Barb & Bett’s Flying Saucer Cafe, late Saturday night
Scene 4: Barb & Bett’s Flying Saucer Cafe, Sunday morning
Scene 5: Barb & Bett’s Flying Saucer Cafe, 7 pm on Sunday

INTERMISSION

ACT II

Scene 1: Barb & Bett’s Flying Saucer Cafe, Monday morning

Scene 2: A secluded spot in the town park, late Monday morning
Scene 3: Barb & Bett’s Flying Saucer Cafe, Monday afternoon
Scene 4: Barb & Bett’s Flying Saucer Cafe, Monday evening

Synopsis:
Elise Simak has just finished college, and she’s definitely ready to
take on the world. Now she just has to tell her family about her
plans. The problem is that her family lives in Oyer’s Corners, also
known as Area 52, a town full of odd folks who make a living by
luring UFO seekers with a series of gimmicks, tricks and outright
deceptions. Elise’s grandfather, Jebediah Simak, started the whole
UFO legend nearly forty years ago when he claimed to have been
abducted and taken aboard a flying saucer for “testing.” New tech-
nology is making it increasingly difficult to fool tourists, and the
townsfolk are struggling to keep the legend - and Oyer’s Corners
- alive. When a pair of FBI agents appear and announce they are
investigating allegations of fraud it looks like all is lost, but then
some newcomers to the town reveal that we are not alone after all.

* Please turn off all cell phones *

* Please enter and exit the auditorium inbetween scenes. *
 CAST
Elise Simak Grace Patton
Understudy: Hannah Nichols
Andrea Katelyn Morgan
Betty Simak Melyssa Fitzpatrick
Barb Simak Haley Glinz
Mr. Quasar Clifton Chan
Mrs. Quasar Emma Shafer
Understudy: Grace Coffey
Lulu Abby Kono
Annabelle Shannan Trudell
Flora Jean Hannah Ball
Lester Harold Devine
Jebediah Simak Craig Campbell
Esther Jo Woolworth Danielle Wisdom
Ryan LeCrone John Grannan
Melvin Jared Spice
Mayor Hogweed Ally Fransted
Bobby Ray Ben Cooley
Lynwood, Jr. Ben McGill
Jewel Rose Sara Rivera
Breezy Brittanie Bice
Agent Muddler Austin Lyon
Agent Scurvy Caila Conklin
SS Agent 1 Parker Ykimoff
SS Agent 2 Samantha Alvarado
SS Agent 3 Hannah Riley
SS Agent 4 Parker Brue
President Tachzmoor JJ Sheets
Thom Crude Tony Mayotte
Linzee Lowcut Alyssa Tippens
Reverend I. M. Fohney Derek Skyrzynski
Shammy Faye Jacquelyn Marks

Extras:
Cop Zane Waggoner
Sasquatches Alex Sponsler, Kodiak Kidder
Passersby/Aliens Chester Chan, Austin Meredith, Daniel
Rauch, Alyssa Benn, Emily Giffin, Bailey Shepherd
 Crew

head tech Katy Marshall

Emily Arntz
Amanda Baker
Lane Gillman
Josh Rennell
Gabe Rowlison
Nathan Smith-Timlin
Kirsten Sponsler

Production staff
Director Dean Dyer
Technical Director stan gibbs
Publications Manager Clifton Chan
Poster/Program Artwork Brittanie Bice
Printing (JACC) Steven Andrews, Kirsten Sponsler
 senior cast & Crew

Grace Katelyn Melyssa

Patton Morgan Fitzpatrick

Clifton Emma Shannan

Chan Shafer Trudell

Hannah John Ben

Ball Grannan Cooley

Sara Austin Caila

Rivera Lyon Conklin

JJ Steven Kirsten
Sheets Andrews Sponsler
Senior Notes
If I wrote everything I’d like to say about these seniors, this
program would be longer than the script for the show. I
always tell people that my favorite thing about high school
theatre is watching the kids build relationships that will
last a lifetime. Nothing takes as much guts for teenagers
as opening up emotionally in front of their peers, and that’s
really what theatre is all about. Imagine how fortunate I
felt in 2007 when a whole class of freshmen showed up who
basically already had those relationships established with
each other. Add to that their immense amount of individual
talent and a willingness to work hard to perfect every
moment of every show and--well, they’re just a very special
group.

It was this senior class that prompted me to start the JV

show, and they were the ones who, after attending Hillsdale
College’s Drama Day, came up with the notion of hosting our
own Drama Day for Western elementary students. They are
the first class to be cast members in every show I’ve written,
originating roles and leaving their mark on each script before
it went to publication. And they are the group that led us
back into festival participation, placing second overall at this
year’s JCC High School One Act Festival and taking home
more individual and team trophies than any other school.

So here we are, four short years later, and now it’s time to
say goodbye to them. I’d be lying to you if I said that I haven’t
been dreading this moment all year long, but I know that
because of these seniors our program is stronger than ever.
Underclassmen, you have some very large shoes to fill. Class
of 2011: Thank you so much for your contribution to our
Theatre Arts Program and for all the special memories. I’m
never gonna get y’all off’n my shoe.

Dean L. Dyer
*Grace Patton (Elise Simak): Grace began her WHS stage
career as the clueless Ashleigh in Becoming Juliet. She was a pickle
judge/chorus member in State Fair; Gwendolyn in An Emperor
Exposed; Clovis in Who’s Dying to be a Millionaire?; flapper Cora in
Thoroughly Modern Millie; leading lady and witch fighter Lydia in A
Summoning At Thorn River High; boy crazy freshman Lindsey in That
Sixties Prom; and lead nurse Lt. Genevieve Marshall in South Pacific.
Grace played the lead role in our Play Pro class one act show as a
sophomore, and this year her portrayal of Consumer #2 in Status
Update at JCC won her first place honors as Best Actress. This year,
she also stepped into the director’s role for the JV play, Up the
Down Staircase.

In the fall, Grace plans on attending Cornerstone University to

study Theatre and Sociology.

Coming from her own theatre family, Grace has been an immensely
important member of ours. Her ability to analyze roles quickly
and then build and refine her characters is a joy to watch. While
she excels in dramatic roles, she is also a capable comedienne.
We expect to hear plenty about Grace as she moves on to bigger
stages, and her impact on our younger performers will be an
important part of our future as well.

About her experiences at WHS, Grace says: “I would just like to say
that I have had an incredible experience with Western’s theatre
program. I’ve been involved in so many wonderful productions and
become friends with some incredible people as a result of it. To the
dear underclassmen - First of all it has been an absolute pleasure
working with and directing some of you. You guys have some
amazing talent; I can’t wait to watch you all shine next year. Just
remember, don’t take these experiences for granted, and enjoy the
people you’re with. You have a chance to be a part of something
magical.”

*Katelyn Morgan (Andrea): Katelyn got off to a quick

start, making the cast of Becoming Juliet in a named role (snotty
Senior Notes
cheerleader Lyndsey Pomeroy) and never looked back. She
followed with: chorus member in State Fair; leading lady Denny
Perkins in Who’s Dying to be a Millionaire?; office stenog in
Thoroughly Modern Millie; Amber Shilling in A Summoning at Thorn
River High; boy-crazy freshman Ashley in That Sixties Prom; and
Ensign Dinah Murphy in South Pacific. She also portrayed Consumer
#3 in Status Update at JCC, earning a 3rd place trophy in the Best
Actress category. She was also an active participant in the variety
shows.

After graduation, Katelyn will be attending the Literature, Science

and Arts College of the University of Michigan to study medicine.

Katelyn’s stage and high school career can easily be summed up in

one word: enthusiasm. She literally leaps into each role on stage,
and it’s a pleasure to watch her face as she begins to morph into a
character. Katelyn is an active volunteer and a natural leader, and
we may just have to add some extra lighting next year to replace
her brilliance on our stage.

Katelyn leaves this for her junior cast members: “To my fellow
thespians: Encourage and respect one another. From the moment
practices start, up until the last bow on the final night, you’ll be
practically living together. The friendships you’ll create will help
you through the stress, and save you from the ‘I’m-not-in-this-
scene’ boredom. Memorize your lines BEFORE Mr. Dyer yells at
you, and always make sure you know how the stage is set up, so
you don’t trip over the same coffee table three times in one show
like I did. We’ve shared innumerable memories, and, thanks to the
ridiculous pictures on Facebook, I will never forget them. We’ve
laughed our faces sore, danced our feet to blisters, and sung our
voices to raspy whispers, and it’s all been worth it, a hundred times
over. Here’s to one last performance! Techs, keep up the good
work, you guys are amazing. Oh, and if it still exists, be good to my
watermelon ball. To the adults in my life: Thank you, for coming
to see each and every show, the flowers, the hugs and the heart-
felt “I’m so proud of you”s. Keep supporting the arts to keep them
alive. And to Mr. Dyer: We are nothing without you. The stage is
just concrete, the sets just wood, and the people just ordinary,
but when you direct them together - for every play starting my
freshman year! – it becomes living art. I am in awe. You’ve been
the most influential person in my life, and for that, I am eternally
grateful. It’s truly been an honor.”

Melyssa Fitzpatrick (Betty Simak): Although she avoided

musicals until we finally dragged her onto the stage as Ensign
Connie Walewska in last fall’s South Pacific, Melyssa has definitely
been a valued member of our program. She began her stage
career as a freshman, playing stuck-up cheerleader Lindsay
Greenbrook in Becoming Juliet. Her other roles include: an extra
in An Emperor Exposed; villain Sally Dean in Who’s Dying to be a
Millionaire?; pit orchestra member in Thoroughly Modern Millie;
the shadowy misfit Cassie in A Summoning at Thorn River High;
and sarcasm queen Jenn in That Sixties Prom. Melyssa also played
the role of Consumer #3 in this year’s variety show performance
of Status Update, and won a trophy for being part of the first
place stage crew with the same show at the JCC One Act Festival.
Tonight she’s Betty Simak, a restaurant co-owner with a past.

When I began writing the script for this show last spring, it was
Melyssa’s 11th grade autobiography that helped me create the
character of Elise Simak. Melyssa also gets credit for originating
the story Lester tells of his very hairy Aunt Matilda, which she
was kind enough to “loan” me. We will definitely miss her gift for
sarcasm and her ability to add depth and meaning to even the
smallest character roles.

Melyssa’s parting words: “I have enjoyed being in 10 performances,

and all the time I have put into drama. My advice for the
underclassmen and upcoming seniors would be to make your
character a real person, and enjoy being someone other than
yourself for awhile. And do your homework when you’re not
onstage... seriously, you won’t do it when you get home.” (Yeah,
she definitely knows about that last part.)

—
Senior Notes
*Clifton Chan (Mr. Quasar): Clifton began his career as the
serious freshman Randy in Becoming Juliet, then followed it up
as the Announcer (and a roustabout) in State Fair. His other roles
included: Thomas, An Emperor Exposed; the hyper tense Sam
Dithers, Who’s Dying to Be a Millionaire? ; Bun Foo, Thoroughly
Modern Millie; youth pastor Jeremy, A Summoning at Thorn River
High; Adam, That Sixties Prom; and pit orchestra member, South
Pacific. He also originated the role of Passerby in the Variety Show
performance of Status Update. His work has also included managing
publications for A Summoning at Thorn River, Virgil’s Wedding,
That Sixties Prom, South Pacific, Up the Down Staircase, The Day the
Cornfield Stood Still, and several Variety Shows.

As of this writing, Clifton says his plans for next fall include
attending: “Hope/U of M/Northwestern/Wheaton (I haven’t picked
yet!) to study chemistry and music performance.” Whichever one
you choose, Clifton, will be lucky to have you!

Clifton is a dedicated performer who is always willing to help with

anything. But more than that, he is a truly gifted artist in a variety
of ways. Since his sophomore year, he has been designing and
producing our programs and posters and managing our Facebook
page. Clifton created that nifty logo you see on our page and on
many of our clothing items. His passion for literature, music, and
art show through in everything he does, and he has helped raise
our entire program to a higher level.

Never one to belabor a point, Clifton has this advice for the
underclassmen: “Enjoy high school while you can! Find your
passions, and get involved. You won’t regret it.”

*Emma Shafer (Mrs. Quasar): Refusing to be just another

extra in Becoming Juliet, Emma stole plenty of laughs with the
nerdy persona she created. She followed that role up as a chorus
member in State Fair, then cut it up as an “extra and a half” in An
Emperor Exposed. Later roles included: a Priscilla girl in Thoroughly
Modern Millie; a crazy cat lady named Sophie in Who’s Dying to
be a Millionaire?; Mrs. Woodring in A Summoning at Thorn River
High; the conniving Mrs. Avondale in That Sixties Prom, and Bloody
Mary in South Pacific. Emma played Consumer #2 in the Variety
Show performance of Status Update, and then earned Special
Recognition for Make-Up and a 2nd place trophy as Best Stage
Manager at JCC.

Emma will stay close to home next year as she majors in Youth
Ministry at Spring Arbor University.

Always at her best when she’s cutting up, Emma helps to keep
things fun, even if she sometimes doesn’t quit when Mr. Dyer’s
talking . . . ahem. She knows how to get down to business when
the time comes, however, and her portrayal of Bloody Mary last
year was a great example of just how deep her talent is, both
acting and singing. Oh, and we’ll also miss her talents in the make-
up room.

Emma leaves us these thoughts: “If I could say anything to our

awesome underclassmen it would be to just have fun. Seriously
guys, you may not get this kind of opportunity again so make the
most of it even if you’re not the lead role! Don’t be afraid to take
risks on the stage and put yourself into a character, you won’t
regret it! Thanks again to Mr. Dyer and everyone who has helped us
along the way to made this incredible journey possible!”

Shannan Trudell (Annabelle): Shannan began her WHS stage

career as an extra in Becoming Juliet. Her later roles included:
Extra, An Emperor Exposed; Kate, Who’s Dying to Be a Millionaire?;
Mrs. Adams, A Summoning at Thorn River High; stressed out prom
committee chairman Andrea, That Sixties Prom; and Ensign Rita
Adams, South Pacific. Shannan also worked behind the scenes
providing tech support for a couple shows.

Shannan will attend Lake Superior State next fall to study Biology.
She plans to offset the cold of Houghton by getting an internship
at Hawaii State.

Shannan has a great talent for bringing out the quirks in her
Senior Notes
characters, which is probably because . . . well, she’s pretty quirky
herself! We’ll miss her fun sense of humor and her artistic talent as
well.

Here’s what Shannan leaves for the underclassmen: “What up

dudes! This is Shannan Trudell here. I have been a four year
participant of the Western High School Theatre Arts Program. I
have done it all, from behind the scences as a techie to playing it up
on the stage. I can rock the spotlight and I can be as lively as you
can get on stage--plus I have mastered playing dead :p The most
rewarding part of being in a production is having my own fan-club
watching in the crowd (it ain’t no little group either =D) I hope
everyone has a terrific year. Seniors, live it up and love it!”

Hannah Ball (Flora Jean): As a freshman, Hannah was an extra

in Becoming Juliet, before disappearing into the pit for a while to
play clarinet and saxophone in both Thoroughly Modern Millie and
South Pacific. She was back on stage as the wise-cracking Amanda
in That Sixties Prom.

Next fall, you’ll find Hannah just down the road at Spring Arbor
University, where she plans to major in Communications.
Hannah loves to read and analyze literature, and she does a great
job of developing her character roles. Her contributions to our
musicals from the pit will also be missed.

Hannah leaves this for the underclassmen: “I have really enjoyed

being a part of these fantastic stage and pit performances, along
with hanging out with friends and making new ones. My advice
to underclassman is to get involved in performances (or sports,
whatever!) because it makes school so much better! Just trust me.”

*John Grannan (Ryan LeCrone): Like many of this year’s

seniors, John began his WHS stage career as an extra in Becoming
Juliet. His other roles were: chorus member, State Fair; the dim-
witted, lecherous Eldred, An Emperor Exposed; slimy Reginald
Smarmy, Who’s Dying to be a Millionaire?; Kevin, A Summoning
At Thorn River High; Mr. Starling, That Sixties Prom; Lt. Cable,
South Pacific. He was also an emcee in three variety shows, and
played the part of Store Manager in Status Update at JCC, where
he received Honorable Mention in the Best Supporting Actor
category.

Next fall, John will be attending DePaul University to study film at

their college of Computing and Digital Media.

As a freshman who was high on talent, but short on stature, John

quickly demonstrated a flair for working with the ladies. His
transition from comic relief to romantic leading man was complete
by his junior year, and his portrayal of Lt. Joe Cable in last fall’s
South Pacific solidified his place as an All-Star on the WHS stage.
We’ll miss his quick wit and his phenomenal work ethic.

John leaves these words for the underclassmen: “I would

just like to say to the rest of the cast that it has been such a
great experience getting to know everyone and creating some
excellent memories. Keep on bringing the Western spirit to all the
productions that are to come!”

Ben Cooley (Bobby Ray): Ben started behind the scenes as a

techie in his sophomore year, assisting with lights for An Emperor
Exposed and then taking over on lights for Who’s Dying to be a
Millionaire?. Getting a taste for theatre, he emerged on stage in
the chorus of Thoroughly Modern Millie, then followed that up as
Mr. Avery in A Summoning at Thorn River High and school board
president Joe Brown in That Sixties Prom. Ben really got his game
on last fall as Luther Billis in South Pacific. He also played Consumer
#1 in the variety show presentation of Status Update, the worked
as head technician for the show at the JCC One Act Festival where
he made several trips up and down the aisles picking up awards,
including a second place trophy in the Best Tech Director category.

Next fall, Ben will be attending Eastern Michigan University where

he plans to major in Mathematics education and minor in Theatre
Senior Notes
Arts.

Ben has been a huge asset to our program, both acting on stage
and using his construction skills in the scene shop. He’s always
quick to volunteer when there’s work to be done. And let’s face it:
not just any guy is willing to throw on a coconut bra and do a hula
dance in front of an audience. We’ll miss his quick smile and his
sense of humor as well.

For the underclassmen, Ben says: “I have enjoyed all eight shows
that I have been a part of and would always do any of my roles
again in a heartbeat . . . especially Billis! To all of you underclassmen
just go out and have fun with performing. It makes high school so
much more enjoyable, and it is something that you can be quite
good at too. Just be yourself because no one will like you more
than when you are just being yourself.”

Sara Rivera (Jewel Rose): Sara waited until her sophomore year
to start her stage career, playing an extra in An Emperor Exposed.
She quickly became a regular member of our program with roles
including: Barbara in Who’s Dying to Be a Millionaire?; a stenog in
Thoroughly Modern Millie; Samantha in A Summoning at Thorn River
High; the beautiful but approachable Ginelle in That Sixties Prom,
and Ensign Bessie Noonan in South Pacific.

Next fall Sara plans to attend Central Michigan University to major

in children’s education and hopefully teach kindergarten in the
future.

Sara’s brilliant smile and easygoing nature make her a great

character actress. She also has a great sense of humor and an
ability to get along with pretty much anyone. And, of course, we’ll
definitely miss her gorgeous hair flipping on our stage.

Sara has this to say to those who remain behind: “I will never
forget auditioning for my first show for Western High School my
sophomore year. I have loved every moment of being in drama-
-it is one of my favorite hobbies and the memories and life-long
friendships will be carried with me to college. One of my favorite
memories this year was messing around in the make-up room with
Grace Patton during South Pacific. Underclassmen: there is no such
thing as a small part, even if it seems that way. Make sure you act
your little hearts out, and good luck in the productions to come.”

*Austin Lyon (Agent Muddler): Yet another freshman extra in

Becoming Juliet, Austin’s tremendous vocal talents wouldn’t allow
him to hide in the background for long. His next role was as hog
farmer Lem in State Fair, and then he was off to a long string of
major and leading roles: Mordred, An Emperor Exposed; Mac, Who’s
Dying to Be a Millionaire; Leading man Jimmy, Thoroughly Modern
Millie. Evan, A Summoning at Thorn River High; realist freshman
Robert, That Sixties Prom; and, of course, leading man Emile
DeBecque in South Pacific. Austin also played Consumer #1 in
Status Update at JCC, taking a third place trophy in the Best Actor
category.

Austin will be attending Anderson University in the fall with a major

in Music Business and a minor in Vocal Performance.

There’s no doubt we’ll miss his wonderful voice and his acting
ability, but more than anything, Austin’s stage career has been
characterized by his good nature and kindness. He’s a natural
leader by example, and his positive influence on younger cast
members will benefit our program for years to come.

Here’s what Austin has to say: “Now we are at the last show
where I will be playing Agent Muddler. I have had such a blast
being involved in this production and productions in the past. I
am excited for what God brings my way as I venture into this new
chapter of my life. If I could tell the underclassmen anything it
would be to never think that you can’t play a part you received or
be a part you want. Always keep your head up and reach for your
goal.”

—
Senior Notes
*Caila Conklin (FBI Agent Scurvy): We definitely never had to
drag this brilliant young actress onto the stage! Caila’s long list
of roles includes: An extra in Becoming Juliet; the Bearded Lady/
chorus member, State Fair; Minerva, An Emperor Exposed; Joyce
Mansfield, Who’s Dying to Be a Millionaire?; Rita, Thoroughly Modern
Millie; Kallie, A Summoning at Thorn River High; Candice Clark, That
Sixties Prom; Nellie Forbush, South Pacific; and the Passerby in
Status Update at this year’s JCC One Act Festival, where she earned
a second place Best Supporting Actress trophy. The judges at JCC
complimented Caila on her “sweet stage presence,” so naturally
she wanted to break out of that mold. Hence her portrayal of
tough and nasty FBI Agent Scurvy in this show. Caila was also
active in the Variety Shows.

Next year, Caila plans to attend Western Michigan University to

pursue a degree in Music Therapy.

Although it’s been fun to watch Caila being mean on stage for a
change, the sweetness that the JCC judges noted is a much clearer
reflection of her as a performer and a person. It was this quality
that led to her breakout lead performance as Nellie Forbush in
South Pacific last fall, and which has made her such a valuable part
of our program. Her quick smile and can-do attitude will be missed.

As she leaves us for the real world, Caila says: “A word of advice for
all the lovely theatre underclassmen: high school goes by far too
quickly so make the most of every day in rehearsals and enjoy the
friendships that you build along the way . . .”

JJ Sheets (President Tachzmoor): Like Sara, JJ waited until his

sophomore year to join us, but he quickly became an important
member of our troupe. He began with a small role as the
curmudgeonly George R. Well in An Emperor Exposed, then
followed with: butler/chorus member, Thoroughly Modern Millie:
Mr. Woodring, A Summoning at Thorn River High; Shy junior Devin,
That Sixties Prom: The Professor, South Pacific.

Next year, JJ plans on attending Michigan State University’s

College of Natural Science, majoring in Genomics and Molecular
Genetics to pursue a career as a researcher in genetics. He also
plans to minor in German and study abroad for a year in Germany.

JJ is another example of how enjoyable this business can be. With

each show he stepped further and further out of his shell as his
talent and comfort level evolved on stage. We will miss his quiet
humor and gentle nature, which shined through in all of his roles.

JJ’s parting words: “I just want you to know that all you need to
do is be yourself. Yeah, this sounds really cheesy, but seriously.
This is the time of your life where you basically choose how the
rest of your life will be. So, don’t slack off and start failing classes
even though all you need to do is do your work (pretty much all of
them). With that said, be yourself and find your niche where you
can do your own thing. Don’t worry what anybody else says about
you, because no matter how terrible it is what they think will not
matter when you are done with high school. Also, enjoy yourself
and have fun while it lasts.”

Steven Andrews (Techie): Steven has been a regular member

of our tech crew since his sophomore year, working in An Emperor
Exposed, Thoroughly Modern Millie, A Summoning at Thorn River
High, That Sixties Prom and South Pacific. Steven has also been
responsible for printing all of our programs and posters for the last
several shows through his position at JACC.

Kirsten Sponsler (Techie): Kirsten joined us as a techie in

her sophomore year and quickly became a regular. She’s worked
behind the scenes for An Emperor Exposed, Thoroughly Modern
Millie, Virgil’s Wedding, That Sixties Prom, South Pacific and Up the
Down Staircase. We also managed to coax her out on stage a
couple times, as Pheobe, the edgy make-up artist in Who’s Dying
to Be a Millionaire and as Betsy, the “enforcer” for a group of
misunderstood goth girls in A Summoning at Thorn River High.
Senior Notes
Next fall, Kirsten will attend JCC for a year before transferring to
Ferris State, where she plans to major in Print Management and
Design.

Kirsten has an amazing work ethic, and we’ve been fortunate to

have her around, especially considering her active involvement in a
number of other activities. Another of our skilled artists, her talent
with a brush has enhanced the appearance of many of our sets.
Kirsten is pretty quiet by nature, and it was great fun watching her
fill those two roles on stage as well.

Kirsten’s parting words: “When the wind blows, bend easily and
trust your roots to hold. Remember, techs are like ninjas, so be one
with the darkness, little techs.”

* Cast members who have been involved in every production of

their high school careers. Wow!
 JJ…Break a leg & have fun!
Love Nikki, Katie, Kristen & Sandy
———
JJ…So proud of you and all you do. We
have really enjoyed watching you perform ever
since the Wizard of Oz at Bean.
Love you, Mom & Dad
———
Congratulations on a great show!
Mr. & Mrs. Bickel
———
Way to go Sarita! Enjoy your last 2011
Senior Play!
Besitos,
Mom, Dad, and Samantha
 Clifton,
Congratulations on
your accomplishments
in the theatre arts
program at WHS. We
will always remember
the Bun Foo character
and the many others
that you played so
well all these years.
Love,
Mom, Dad, & Chester
 Special Thanks to:
Cori Dyer
Don Dyer
Justin Henry
Sue Creery
Mike MacGuinness

WTAA Members

Christy Grannan
Susie Conklin
Mr. & Mrs. John Sheets
Colleen Rennell
Shirley Campbell
Patty Glinz
Patty Brue
Beth Patton
Maria Santana
Lisa Ykimoff

. . . and the many others who have contributed time and

materials to make this show a success.

A Western High School Theatre Arts Production