Annie, Jr. recap

Programming

• 30 kids put on a production of Annie, Jr. with less than six weeks to rehearse
• Students learned lines, choreography, blocking, and scene changes for 11 scenes.
• Our lead performed for the first time
• 7 of our soloists sang on stage by themselves for the first time
• We performed in Spirit Square for the first time: dressing rooms with mirrors and lights, a green room, wings, and more stage space for a larger cast left students in awe.

Stories

• “One morning I led a devotion on not worrying. I thought that the kids would be worried about the production that was just three days away. To kick off our time I asked the kids if they are worried about anything. Hands started shooting up, probably more so than with any other question I’ve asked them during devotion. I was surprised to hear what they are worried about: whether or not they are going to wake up tomorrow, whether or not they are going to heaven, if their family is going to be safe, and many more. It saddened me that 6 to 14 years olds are so heavy hearted. I was able to address some of these in devotion later that week, and I’m so glad that we are all able to go to God in prayer for these concerns.” –Amanda Bullen, Executive Director.
• One student just moved to Charlotte a few days before camp started. She was not happy to be here and really missed her friends in Atlanta. Because of addictions her parents lost custody of her, and she is being raised by a “god-mother.” They moved to Charlotte to get help from this woman’s family here. To see her light up on stage, you would never guess the painful past that she shared with me over the summer. Her face just beamed on stage with such joy.
• One of our oldest boys had been researching getting into a gang. But instead of getting into trouble this summer, he was memorizing lines for one of our lead roles, helping his siblings with their parts, and enjoying rehearsals. However, for the first 4 weeks he played his role only halfheartedly, wanting to be tough and seeing enthusiasm about drama as not being cool. Staff led devotions that would reach his situation, letting him know that God sees him and that he is not alone. During the last week he came around, and on the night of the show, he glowed on stage, adding expressions and actions that weren’t rehearsed. He was so proud of himself.

Quotes

• “You guys just get better and better every year.”
• “I cried through the whole show. I just kept looking at Tanasha. I couldn’t believe that was my child up on stage.”
• “My girls woke up the morning after camp ended and asked, ‘What are we going to do now?” They were both really sad that camp was over. They shooed me out the door every morning to get them to camp early. They loved it.”