What I've Learned
This whole experience has broadened my knowledge on a variety of things. I’ve learned about time management, organization, a deeper understanding of art, leadership, communication, teamwork and sacrifice. But most importantly, I learned about myself. I found an even greater appreciation for producing, so much that I’d like to continue doing so with new projects. I’d like to experiment and venture onto other means and platforms as well. That’s yet another thing that I learned, about stepping out of my comfort zone and experimenting. I learned that I don’t know everything, but that is okay because no one really does. I can however, instead adapt and learn. I am capable as this experience has proven. I am determined and willing. I have strengths and even weaknesses, but I do not see that in such a negative light. Even my weaknesses have brought me knowledge in the way that I know what I should be doing and what to be focusing on and putting my energy into. This project opened the doors to several new opportunities and outlooks.
Appliance and Growth
A major part in why this project has gone on so successfully has a lot to do with what I've learned at school. If it weren’t for my English classes, the script could not have been written to that level. I used what I learned from my Math classes to help me make calculations to scale and order the backgrounds, props, programs, and more. My Art classes have taught me a lot about technique and methods that aided in the designing of the art in the musical. There are other things I’ve learned at Santa Su as well that do not just come from one class. Some of those things include becoming a scholar, growing in skill, and gaining honor and integrity. I feel like a more learned person now, like a true scholar. With this experience I’ve picked up new knowledge and done advanced study in a variety of fields, some I never even thought about exploring before this project, such as producing. Because of this, my skill set has only expanded. It has taught me a thing about honor and integrity which is so valuable. I have found such a greater respect to all of those involved in the creations of productions such as this, especially when they have integrity as well, when it is clear of their honesty and hard work. I found that in myself, and working alongside Victoria as well. We remained strong with our beliefs and undivided. Now we will carry these traits and observations into the real world where we plan to make a name for ourselves as producers. We will take all that we’ve learned at Santa Su and apply it out there so we could grow further. Not only did we find ourselves learning new things, but so have the kids in our cast. Throughout rehearsals we have coached them, taught them, and given them advice, advice we have found at school. After spending much time in classrooms ourselves, we picked up helpful tips from teachers and their teaching methods regardless of whether they knew it or not. Now we pass on that information to our cast. We have noticed growth in a lot of these kids as well. We have noticed how very unique they all are, too. Sometimes it is because of our differences that we are left out, and we noticed that with these kids. Instead, we gave them all an opportunity. Victoria and I were just like them. Many people underestimated us for so long yet never gave us the chance to prove ourselves, to share the spotlight with others, or stage if you will. We saw the potential in these kids and gave them each a voice, something Victoria and I did not receive much, but something we had to create for ourselves. In finding our own strength, it has definitely shown light to that of the kids.
Expectations
Going into this project, I had imagined there’d be more complications as it is just Victoria and I running all aspects of the show. I stressed over the thought of not making good progress or being unprepared by the time the actual show date came. Though we have yet to put on the actual performance, I know we are doing good and are on the right track. As with anything, of course there were complications along the way, but it was nothing we couldn’t fix or find an alternative to. When an obstacle gets thrown our way, we face it headstrong and do everything in our power to make it better.
What I Would Do Differently
If I were to do this very same project all over again, there are a few things I’d like to do better. Even though I feel like we’ve done a great job at time management and planning, we could always do better. There’s always room for improvement. I would also like to stay a little more focused in rehearsals, even if we are pretty good at that already overall. It would just save a bit more time, which again, goes back to doing better at time management. On the subject of time, if there were more of it, going back to get rid of certain parts in the script that are though enjoyable, also unnecessarily long. Other than that, there isn’t too much I would change. I think we’ve worked out a pretty great system and schedule that works for us and for the musical, and I’m very proud of it and what it has become.