A closer look at Rooftop Performing Arts:

Dare to Dream — “Dare to Perform”

December 6, 2006

Ten weeks have flown by, and it’s show time at Rooftop’s Mayeda Campus.  As you read this (whether you are reading this over your coffee or getting ready for bed), the kids are still learning their lines and going over the dance steps in their heads.  The mandatory rehearsal where it is all pulled together is scheduled for Thursday evening. It’s an evening where all of our players prepare for the school shows. They’ll take to the stage, and dare to show another side of themselves to their watchful peers.

If one were to stop to think about it... it could be a little unnerving.

But there is no time to think.  There is are still props and costumes yet to be introduced.  The band has yet to meet.  The sixth, seventh and eighth grades have not yet been thrown together.  Can you imagine being in charge of 70 kids who have been working toward this moment since school began? Talk about nervous energy!  The eighth grader in charge of tech is lining up his crew to run the lights and sound, and he’s not yet seen the show in its entirety.  He needs to take note of every song cue and entrance. He will be unseen in the dark, but his role is as just important as the performer who dares to sing solo up on stage.  Every soloist has no less than a backup crew of ten — the sound and lighting team, the band and, of course, the directors/mentors Shannon Day and Elizabeth Rosas.

Every moment, people are partnering, doing what they can, to make sure that that all who risk succeed.  The work is hard, for the stakes are high.  No one can be unprepared without consequence — Everyone needs to be their at best for this show to succeed.  And if they all do their jobs right, the audience will never ever think about the tremendous effort that it takes.

As an audience member, you have the ability to tell each person on stage that you understand and value what was accomplished.  Whether you have a performer on stage or not, we invite you to spend an hour for a great night of theater and family. Let those kids know that you see them dreaming, as they stand before you in the white hot spotlight.