Boosters

Academic All Star Amanda Hestwood on  THE STATE OF THE LOFT, 2015 Edition.  Plus when she’d pass the buck to Jimmy.  Literally.

Q:  This has been another year of immense theatrical success for the Loft Stage at ERHS.  What’s your secret?

A:  I really don’t think there is a secret to our success. A simple formula of talented and hardworking kids, combined with talented and hardworking staff and supportive and hardworking parents equals unstoppable success.

Q:  The winds of change are blowing. How challenging will it be to continue to offer student experiences and to stage productions of this caliber?

A:  The winds of change are blowing and the hard part is not knowing what will change, when it will change or how it will change. We have been well supported since day one. I for one am hoping this will not change under the new administration.

Q:  What are your biggest hopes and fears regarding the future of the Loft at ERHS?

A:  I hope they will recognize what we are doing and leave us alone to do it.  Let’s stay with hopes for now and not dwell on the fear of the unknown.

Q:  What does District 833 leadership/administration need to know about the Loft’s educational theater program?

A:  Our program is student centered. Know what that means and come and see it in action. Ask questions! Know what you are making decisions about before you change what is not just working, but working really well.

Q:  What can we as a theater community do to help?

A:  Share your pride. Talk about what we are doing. Show pictures. Invite people to participate as appropriate. Continue to lend yourself to the continuous improvement we all strive for.

Q:  What would you do if you were handed a million dollars?

A:  I am sure Jimmy has a list. 🙂

Comedian and mental health activist Kevin Breel will hit the Loft Stage on Tuesday, April 7th. Kevin will be speaking and facilitating a panel of students. All are welcome to attend this free event sponsored in part by the Loft Stage and District #833.

 Thanks a million, Mary!

IT IS AN INDISPUTABLE FACT THAT ERHS theater has been one exceptionally lucky duck to have Mary Reimann for a booster.  Mary has been with the Loft Stage in a leadership capacity the entire time the Boosters have been a group–even before the school was built! After this school year, Mary may be stepping down from the ERHS theater Booster Board, but she is not stepping away from the Loft Stage.  Though Loftie Daughter 2 graduates this year, Mary plans to continue her volunteer efforts next year, coordinating the ERHS Loft Stage’s community outreach program.  With her boundless energy, generosity, talent, and passion for the arts, Mary has acquired many admirers in the theater world.  Her biggest fans, though, may be theater director Amanda Hestwood and Mary’s talented daughters and forever lofties, Anna and Julia Reimann.  These superfans had plenty of wonderful things to say:

Amanda Hestwood: Mary has been an invaluable support to the staff, parents and students who make up our program. Her dedication and passion for music and theater has brought an important perspective to what we do.  I am beyond grateful for her leadership over the last seven years!

Anna Reimann: It has been such an amazing experience having my mom be such a big part of the theater program at East Ridge! She is so supportive of all of the actors, techies, and orchestra members alike! From the very beginning she has always wanted the best for the program and loves helping in any way she can! I am so grateful for all she has done and the support she has been for my sister and me and for many others!

Julia Reimann: Being able to have my mom present for all the joys and excitement of theater at the Loft was such an immense gift.  She, herself, is an incredible actress and beautiful singer who encouraged us from day one and embedded in us a great passion for the arts.  Mom has been a mother to so many in the Loft in addition to Anna and me in the way that she welcomes and embraces all.  We love her so! She has given so much to this program and I am so grateful.

So folks, if you see Mary Reimann around–which shouldn’t be hard since she is almost ALWAYS around the Loft–make sure to thank her and tell her how supercalifragilisticexpialidocious you think she is.

Almost, Maine costume and prop needs FOR DONATION OR ON LOAN:

• Old pillow cases (solid white is best, but any will do). These will be sewn together to make the large “bags of Love”
• Ring Box
• Fake engagement rings *Please do not donate anything with value. We just need a few simple rings that will attract and reflect light
• 3-4 Lawn chairs with or without cup holders – http://acontinuouslean.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/lawn.jpg
• 3-4 Wooden stumps for sitting – Like what one would find around a campfire
• Laundry Basket
• Ironing board
• Men’s and Women’s Ice Skates – One Pair of each. Can be hockey or traditional skates. Men’s sizes 11 and up. Women’s sizes 6 and up.
• Maine travel brochure or book
• Modern winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves, boots, scarves, etc.
• Snow pants, snowsuits, snowmobile suits (If anyone has any Arctic Cat and or Polaris gear they’re willing to let us borrow, that would be AWESOME!)
• Snowmobile helmets

Many of the above items can be lent and returned back to their original owner. Please let Mrs. V know if you would like your items returned, and she will keep personal track of their whereabouts. Thank you!