Why be involved in theater? What do we have to gain from the experience?

Dear Cast and Crew of 12 Angry Jurors,

As the weeks (and months) have rolled by, I have often marveled at the beauty of theater. . . .   

The way a set starts off as a simple thought...and with time, a vague image becomes a reality.  

Watching the  lines of a character,  lying still on the pages of a script, coming to life . . as the actors take hold of a phrase, a concept and make it their own.

Marvelling at the crew; their tenacity and desire to create the "perfect" prop, backdrop....making sure the play moves with grace and ease.

Supporting the costume designer, and discovering the costume plot of a production, while continuing to perfect the overall aesthetics of a play.

Ever so thankful for the swings and  actors who float in and out for just a moment....knowing that their presence adds to the beauty and flow of the storyline.

And. . perhaps, most importantly......relishing in a community of like-minded theater lovers. Being able to appreciate fellow artists; embracing their differences, yet having the ability to work, side-by-side, to reach a common goal.  Having the understanding that it was the entire theatrical community that brought us to the level of excellence that we needed, and so desperately wanted to achieve.

Every year, countless of hours are spent by students and adults....working tirelessly to create something unique, something enjoyable. . . . . something profound.

The JTA's cast of 12 Angry Jurors is unique unto themselves.  You are diverse; athletic, musical, composers, instrumentalists, singers, writers, linguists, artists, dancers...the list could go on and on.  

It is the uniqueness of your backgrounds that makes our community special..and it is from that diversity, that we need to cultivate an appreciation and admiration for one another's work and passion that is now evident on stage.

My wish for the JTA community is that you are kind to each other...always.  

That you are respectful to the craft and find the joy in working with your fellow actors.....always searching for ways to raise the bar of excellence on stage and off.

Productions come and go, but it is the relationships that you establish, that will remain with you forever.  

Reach out to your fellow cast members and crew.  Know that they are just like you.... in the way you care about the arts, how you feel about performing......and being the best you can be as an actor and as an individual.