To my high school theater club,

It’s been years since we all last talked, since we last saw each other, or all worked on a production together. In the past couple of years some of us have visited the shows that we are no longer a part of wishing that we were.

We’ve moved onto bigger and better things, such as college and careers in different fields. Some of us have stayed in touch as best we could, and some of us have had a hard time keeping in touch. We’ve had our ups and downs throughout all the years of working on shows together, but we were always there for each other while building each other up when we were knocked down, we were a family.

Long nights spent together, weekends, holidays, summers, it was all worth it to be with such an amazing group of people. Many of us had known each other for most of our lives, but never had the chance to really get to know each other and theater did that for us.

We created and became the most accepting and loving group of individuals I could have ever hoped to be a part of. Our theater group was always there for anyone who needed, and a job was always there for anyone who had a talent they wished to share. For some it was impeccable singing and acting skills. For others it was their amazing ability to build a set that would make the audience feel like they were looking at a Broadway show.

Lighting, sound, hair and makeup, set design, carpentry, costume design; there was a job for everyone's strengths. We built each other up in every aspect. You all built me up, and that’s something I will never be able to thank you all enough for. If it wasn’t for you all I would never be the person I now am, my life was changed for the better and you are all responsible.

The years are going to continue to pass and new people are going to join, and with every passing year we are eventually going to be forgotten, but we will never be gone. The tradition of our bricks make sure that we are never forgotten. Our awards sitting in the hallways will always be reminders that we were, and always will be the best. Theater was the best part of my life. It, and all of you, will never be forgotten. When I look back at my high school career, my favorite memories were created with all of you. We were, are, and always will be together in our memories.

To our theaters new crew and cast, read this and take something from it. Theater will change your life. It sure has changed mine and many of my friends lives. Look at our successes during our time in the theater program and make us all proud. The people around you are going to build you up in life. Your director and crew directors are going to push you to always be the best, and make sure that you always remember it. The bonds that you create in this club will be the best you have ever made, and you will always have them.

When your time has come to finally leave this amazing group of people, after the final bow of your final show, cry. Cry hard and passionately, and remember if it’s a year later, 3 years later or 20 years later, you will have these people for life. I was lucky enough to have a close group of people in my theater club where we had this relationship.

I watch old recordings of our productions and remember how amazing it felt at the end of every show and wish that I could go back and relive those amazing moments over and over again. I hope that for all of us who have lost touch that we will begin to build our bond again, or at least be able to smile while reading this article and remember all the late nights, weekends and holidays we shared together. You have all changed me for the better.

I miss and love you always.

- A graduated theater member