I have been far too absent!

Karlie K. getting Grinch-y for Seussical!

Hello readers!

Oh my goodness -- please accept my apologies for my absence! It is hard to describe what the last week of camp is like because the word "busy" doesn't even begin to describe it. As a theater director who also assists backstage with the majority of the productions here, it is a week of non-stop work and fast-paced preparation for the shows and performances. In the past five days, we've had "The Importance of Being Earnest," a Camper Cabaret, and our evening of Follies (which, by the way, was fabulous!) and now coming up tonight is this session's Shakespeare performance: "A Midsummer Night's Dream." I must say that I am quite anxious and excited to see the show because it is being performed in a circle of trees outside the Ballibay Theater, called the Dream Grove. It really looks like it will be a magical evening and I am looking forward to seeing the Dream Grove being used for the first time in a very, very long time.

In other news, do you know what tomorrow is? If you aren't feverishly following your nighttime program calendar, I'll remind you: Seussical, the musical! This is the first time since I've worked here that the 1st session musical is in the middle of the last week (as opposed to the final show of the session), so it has really snuck up on us. The campers continue to have moments of panic, saying, "We're used to having four more days of rehearsal!" but, for one of the first times in my life as a director, I feel completely content and prepared for this show. I am proud of the campers in the production, as well as all the campers who are helping backstage, on video, and in tech -- all are enthusiastic and excited for the show. I think the combination of nervous energy about the shows and the campers' drive to perform the show provides all the impetus I need to maintain a sense of confidence about the show's opening tomorrow night.

After "Seussical" is over, there is still half a week left of 1st session, but I know it will fly by. It always does, and then I find myself hugging campers goodbye and wondering how a month passed so quickly. However, I can firmly promise more frequent updates for the rest of this week, as I will have plentiful free time. Until then, send some happy, Seuss-y vibes to the cast tomorrow night at 8:30 p.m. Balli-time!

More soon,
Elizabeth C.
Ballibay Blogger