School seemed to
last forever. Thursdays are my long days. It was the last night of
the show, so I was telling all of my classes to make an appearance if
they could. Word got out that the first night went well, so we had
high hopes for another big crowd. I was a little nervous that we
hadn’t rehearsed in a week, but they had run through the show so
many times, I was confident that they would do just fine.
When Alex and I let
everyone into the theater room, we met the father of one of our
students. He asked if he could record the show and offered to give us
a copy. All we had to show for their hard work was a video from
rehearsal taken on Alex’s Droid, so the answer was an obvious hell
yes. While everyone was getting ready for their last performance,
the younger girl who missed the show last week asked to speak with
us. Her apology was combined with instant tears, and it was enough to
make me melt. The poor girl was upset, and because she’s younger,
her English isn’t as advanced. I’m not the most touchy-feely
person, but I went in for a hug… actually, two. She’s the first
German I have hugged. I told her that we weren’t upset, and since
she’s here tonight, she will do an amazing job. I wanted her to
walk away from the American Theater Group with a positive memory. The
bottom line is that she was able to work on her English all year, and
I have seen a noticeable difference. How could I be mad at her? Her
smile told me all was well, and she gave us flowers and chocolate.
Her apology was obviously accepted.
Alex and I started
the show with our spiel, and scene one commenced. They all did
another fantastic job, a show they could all be proud of. At the very
end, our students brought us to center stage while our Red Chief and
Cowgirl presented us with flowers and chocolate. Our oldest student
told the audience what a great time they all had working with us and
thanked us for the time we put into the American Theater Group. My
heart just sank, and I felt truly touched. Then, two teachers
presented Alex and me with flowers and said a few kind words thanking
us for what we have done with the school this year. The two of us
were honored, and thanked everyone.
On the verge of
tears, I spoke with most of my actors. They were all very sweet and
it made me happy that they had an emotional reaction to the show
being over, too. The younger girls all said they would miss me, and I
nearly lost my wits at that moment. One of the parents actually told
us that the American Theater Group has helped to break his daughter
out of her shell and make new friends. I had no idea what an impact
it had on her, but I am honored to know what I difference I made in
her life. I made sure that they would all be at the cast party,
though, so it wasn’t time to say goodbye yet.
Our show made 91
euros. The American Theater Group really cleaned up!
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