A collection of messages shared with the cast and crew, as well as a place for news updates.
Legally
Blog
Have something that you would like to share with the Family? Email it in, and it will be posted!
School Closure and Production Sun 3/15/2020 9:52 PM
Good Evening Show Family,
I’ve been getting a lot of texts and emails about the school closure and how it will affect our production. Here is all that I can tell you right now:
First off, please remember that your health, and the health of your family is our number one concern.
I have spoken with Mr. Bolder, but at this time we don’t have a lot of new information. Teachers and school administrators are meeting tomorrow morning. Hopefully I will have more to share with you at that time. I promise to keep you updated as events unfold.
Remember, once again, that we all have more crucial concerns at this time. With our community facing a health emergency it seems strange to talk about the production, however, since many are inquiring, here is what I can tell you:
The plan moving forward will obviously depend on how long the school closure lasts. I know how hard all of you have worked. Your dedication, and your talents are uniting to create something very special. I promise to do everything in my power to make sure that you get to share your awesomeness with friends and family.
I want you to know how proud I am of each and every one of you. Our Legally Blonde show family is very dear to me, and you are all in my prayers. I know that things are very difficult right now, but when faced with adversity, leaders stay positive and persevere. I know that you will all continue to be role models in the days ahead.
In the meantime, stay strong, stay safe, say some prayers, hug your family, and wash your hands. I will be in touch soon.
God Bless.
Your Fan,
Mr. Sherman
Hi Mr. Sherman, Thu 3/19/2020 5:10 PM
How are you doing? Not going to school has been super weird for us as I'm sure its been weird for you not having us there. I am definitely missing rehearsals recently too. I've been reviewing a bit but it's way more fun when everyone is together. I hope you are doing well and keeping healthy!
Annika
Checking In Mon 3/16/2020 7:18 PM
Hello Show Family,
I hope that this email finds you all healthy and happy. It was a weird day here at All Saints. Without any students, the school was kind of eerie and sad. In other words, you were missed. I'm writing to you from the Theatre, which misses you as well. I promised to send you an update, but sadly there really isn't much to report.
We had two teacher meetings today. Usually we gather in the Library, but today we met in the gym so that everyone could stay as far away from each other as possible. You would have enjoyed how funny we looked spread out over all three sets of bleachers. One positive side effect was that the teachers were very well behaved as it was tough to talk to your neighbour.
The meetings were hopeful, but there weren't any answers to the big questions that everyone has. We are still waiting for further direction from the Province as well as our School Board.
I know that there are many rumours going around concerning what is going to happen. Try not to listen to them. Mr. Bolder and I were talking a few minutes ago, and I can honestly tell you that no one knows how all of this will unfold. The School Board has a committee developing different strategies to implement depending on how long the schools closures last.
I will continue to stay in contact through this. Feel free to write back if you have any questions. In the meantime, there are audio and video clips on our show website so that you can stay sharp, as well as lots of photos and memes to make you smile.
I hope that you are spending more quality time with your family than with Netflix.
Have a great night,
Mr. Sherman.
Too Quiet, Day 2
Tue 3/17/2020 4:03 PM
Hello again from your High School.
Not too much more to report. We just came out of a staff meeting where we talked about doing our best to continue with teaching and learning on-line. Clearly this will be easier for some classes than others, but I'm sure that we will all make it work.
You will be getting an email shortly from the school telling you when you can come here to pick up resources, personal items, and those rotting lunch leftovers lurking in the dark corners of your locker. Send me an email if you think you have left anything in the Theatre and I will try to track it down for you.
The only other big announcement was that starting tomorrow afternoon, teachers can work from home instead of coming to the school. I don't really plan on doing that. I will be here waiting in joyful hope for your return.
Signing off from All Saints,
Mr. Sherman.
Production Notes, Day 4.
Thu 3/19/2020 11:21 AM
Hello Fabulous Team,
I hope that things are still going well for you. The mood here continues to be strange, but hopeful. Sitting in isolation in a room designed for many people is surreal. I feel a bit like Tom Hanks in Castaway, which is ironic because if he was on a deserted island he would have been safe from the virus.
Remember to stay positive and optimistic through these times. We have no clue yet about timelines or when things will be back to normal. Part of hoping for the best is preparing for it. (It also shows God that your prayers are sincere) I'm still working on plans for our future scenes and planning bits of choreography. I started to sketch out how the show could work if everyone had to stay 1.5 metres away from each other, but it gave me a headache and I had to stop.
Make sure you check out the website for fun stuff and to stay sharp. I've been adding a few new things each day for you to check out. Also, please send in anything that you would like to share with the show family, (messages, memes, photos, etc.) and I will add those as well.
Remember to keep checking D2L and emails from your teachers. We don't know how long this closure will last, so it is crucial that you keep up with your online learning. We are all working hard to make sure that everyone will be able to stay on track with their credits.
That's all for now. Remember that you are awesome and that this situation will come to an end eventually.
Take Care,
Miss You.
Mr. Sherman.
Connections Sat 3/21/2020 8:18 PM
Hey Team,
I hope that things are going well for you and that everyone is staying safe where you are.
Hopefully you are using the extra time you are spending at home to develop even stronger relationships with your family members. (Those are the people that you see when you look up from your phone) Just kidding, but on a serious note, even though you are “socially distant” from people, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make an effort to strengthen the connections in your life. Reach out to friends and family who you think may be struggling or just little down right now. I’m sure that they will be happy to hear from you.
Speaking of connections, I’ve started a “Blog” page on our website where I will add things that you would like to share with everyone (messages for the group, photos, memes, etc.). Email something and I will post it for you. While we are on the topic of the site, I made a couple of new memes for the Gallery section that I’m pretty proud of. Lastly, when you visit the website, try to use a computer as the formatting doesn’t work as well on a phone.
As always, try to stay strong and optimistic. Challenges build character and reveal it.
Take Care,
Mr. Sherman.
STRENGTH Mon 3/23/2020 8:54 PM
Hello, Show Family.
Writing to send you and your families all my best wishes, and to remind you that you are in my prayers.
Instructional Day 5 of our closure is in the books. (No, it isn't 6, Friday was a PD Day) Isn’t it amazing how fast things turned for the worse? Exactly two weeks ago we had parents here at the school signing paperwork to send their kids on our school trip to Anaheim. Unbelievable. But remember, just as things turned terrible quickly, they could improve just as fast. All we can do is stay positive and be strong for each other. Do what you can to spend your time wisely and focus your gifts in new ways.
By the way, I’ll be sending out another email in a few minutes concerning some questions I have received.
In the meantime, be kind to each other and remember that all things pass.
God Bless,
Mr. Sherman.
OBSTACLES Tue 3/24/2020 12:28 AM
Hello Again.
Over the past few days, I have been receiving questions about the show’s future from parents and cast members. While everyone acknowledged that we have bigger problems right now, I guess it is natural to look forward to when life will return to normal. I really wasn’t planning on addressing the situation this week, but since it is on people’s minds, here’s what I have been passing on to those who reached out:
I am in daily communication with administration and with school board consultants. Obviously, no one has definitive answers, as we are all in uncharted territory. We are doing our best to create different contingency plans based on various possible school re-opening dates. The best I can offer right now is that we are in a holding pattern, and that it is still only March. Yes, some are predicting that schools will remain closed, but remember, those who feel that way have never been through this before, either. While I acknowledge that the worst-case scenario is a possibility, we won’t discuss that, or what it would mean for us, until we have to.
While it would be easy to become pessimistic, we are going to choose to focus on possibilities. Our Show Family excels at dealing with adversity, and we have been given a unique opportunity to inspire others with how we handle ourselves in this situation. I believe that one of things that draws us all to working on theatrical productions is the near impossible challenge of it. I’m reminded of a moment from the film Shakespeare in Love. In the scene (linked below), a creditor named Fennyman is confronting Shakespeare’s producer, Henslowe, who can’t pay his debts because the theatres have been closed due to the plague. The exchange goes something like this:
FENNYMAN
The Theatres have all been closed down by the plague…
HENSLOWE
...Allow me to explain about the theatre business. The natural condition is one of
insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster.
FENNYMAN
So what do we do?
HENSLOWE
Nothing. Strangely enough, it all turns out well.
FENNYMAN
How?
HENSLOWE
I don't know. It's a mystery.
"Insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster"…and remember, they were only putting on a Play. Shakespeare never had the guts to attempt a Musical. I guess he was more realistic and less courageous than you. Until we are over these obstacles, try to stay hopeful. Focus on what you can control right now, and even in this strange situation, do what you can to make the world a better place.
Spoiler alert; that Shakespeare guy ended up doing alright. And things could still turn out well for us. How? I don’t know. It’s a mystery.
Keep the Faith,
Much Love,
Mr. Sherman.
LINK TO MOVIE CLIP:
STABILITY Sun 3/29/2020 12:40 AM
Hello Everyone,
Well, did you ever imagine that you could actually miss going to class? It’s strange how we sometimes have to lose something (at least temporarily) before we fully appreciate it. Like being able to hug your friends or buy Purell whenever you want to.
Each day now, we are making so many more adjustments to our lives that it can be difficult to remember what normal is like. When things start to feel chaotic or scary, try to focus on something that gives you comfort that hasn’t changed yet. Me, I am clinging to the fact that McDonald’s drive throughs are still open. (I thank that staff for their Mc Service every day.)
On a serious topic, numerous students have expressed how much they miss seeing the people in their lives every day. In fact, many kids are struggling emotionally without the daily routine of high school. If you are feeling down or alone, just know that many people are going through the same thing right now. Once again, I want to encourage all of you to reach out to all of the people in your life. (Yes, even those loose acquaintances who sometimes annoy you.) Just sending someone a quick hello could make a huge difference for them, and for you. And please don’t waste your time trying to figure out who is struggling and who is doing just fine. Trust me, you don’t have a clue. Also, if you or someone you know is having a tough time, remember that our terrific school counsellors are still 100% on the job. You can interact with them through email, phone call, or video conference.
Speaking of being 100% on the job, let me know if you have questions or if there is anything I can do to help you through all of this. I am still working at All Saints every single day (keeping very far from everyone) so if you need anything from the school, (supplies, a textbook you forgot), I am your connection on the inside. Also, you may not be aware that we can lend you technology if you need it. If your laptop dies, or if your entire family is fighting over the same computer every day, let me know and we can set you up with a Chromebook.
Earlier I suggested that you seek comfort in things that haven’t changed yet. On second thought, perhaps that wasn’t the best advice. Instead, I believe that you are more likely to find strength and stability in two aspects of your life that are absolutely permanent: your family and your faith.
Both are in your heart to get you through times like these.
Stay strong, and be strong for others.
Mr. Sherman.
EFFORT
Sun 4/5/2020 12:36 PM
DEAR SHOW FAMILY,
Hello! I hope that this message finds you and your families safe and happy. I also hope that everyone is looking forward to a productive school week, as we begin Quarter 4 in isolation. I’ve been incredibly busy with school which is why I haven’t shared an update in a bit. I'll try to do better this week. It turns out that teaching online can actually be very time consuming. It has been a non-stop blur of modifying plans, experimenting with different technologies, online conferences, and emails. Lots and lots of emails.
Hopefully you are all adapting and continuing to do your best. Don’t ever let up just because you can. Laziness can also be a virus. You need to protect yourself, and help others stay safe as well. If you fear that laziness has infected a fellow student, the first step is to isolate. Until you have finished your school work, that is. Once your tasks are complete, you can share with the infected person the antidote to the laziness virus: Accountability. People who are accountable show dedication to excellence all the time, not just when they are being supervised. Accountable people are reliable, relentless, positive, and committed. Our current situation will be a test of your level of commitment. To prepare for this test, there are steps you can take: Set challenging personal goals and push yourself to achieve them. Set up consistent work routines. Meet all deadlines. Not just the ones that others impose on you, but also the deadlines you choose for yourself. Look for ways to exceed expectations, not just barely meet them. Use your gifts to their potential and consistently perform in a way that you will be proud of when all of this is over.
We do know that this crisis will end, we just don’t know when.
Proud to be on the same team as you,
Mr. Sherman.
Sun, April 12, 2020
Hello Extended Show Family,
Just sending out a quick Happy Easter to everyone! We may not be in an ideal situation, but hopefully the message of Easter will remind us to be grateful for what we have, and optimistic for what lies ahead.
Keep checking your email and the website for lots of stuff this week. I’ll be sending out a quiz, some survey questions, blog stuff, as well as a meme or two.
Give your family a big hug and look forward to better days.
Much Love and God Bless,
Mr. Sherman.
APRIL 17, 2020.
Dear Show Family,
I hope that you are doing well and making the best of everything like you always do.
I write to you today with some terrific news. Our show family just got a little bigger. That’s right, our theatre is officially haunted!
You might be asking why this is considered terrific news. You might also be wondering if Mr. Sherman has spent a bit too much time isolated in the Theatre. While I won’t deny that the solitude has been rough, I assure you that I am not losing my grip. Not yet, anyway. I’ll go over the ghostly evidence another time, but today let me explain why this is such a positive development.
As you know, theatre folk as a group are a very superstitious bunch. They have traditions and routines that go back thousands of years. Some of these have practical, factual roots, while others are based on a belief in things less provable. Even our modern society is full of examples of superstitions that we accept, even if we don’t entirely believe in them. Everybody knows that there is no thirteenth floor, that horseshoes carry luck, and that if you open an umbrella inside or break a mirror, something bad is going to happen. And then two more bad things, because they come in threes. Today’s topic is superstitions and traditions that are specific to life in the theatre. This post and the lesson/quiz attached to it will give you some of the background and vocabulary that you will need to flourish in the theatre world without breaking any unwritten rules. Again, some of these traditions have pragmatic, safety driven rationales, while others do not. However, even if you think that superstitions are silly, you need to know that if you say, “Good luck” to an actor on opening night, they will not respond kindly. As for the ghostlier stories that follow, I cannot confirm any of them, I merely pass them on for entertainment value.
You probably know that when it comes to paranormal activity, theatres rank second, just behind creepy, abandoned castles. From Ancient Greece, to London, to Broadway, all of the best theatres have been haunted, so we are extremely fortunate to have some supernatural friends taking up residence with us. Good-natured spirits in a theatre reduce technical glitches, bring good fortune to performers, and help to ensure smooth-running productions. Provided, that is, that you take a few necessary steps to keep them happy. More on that later.
Usually theatres have to wait many, many years before any ghostly guests come to call. We can be very proud of the fact that we have earned this honour in just our second year of existence. Why was our apparition application fast-tracked? I’d like to believe that it’s because the organization that is in charge of assigning ghosts heard some nice things about us. On the other hand, it could be the fact that our school’s shadow crosses an old graveyard twice a day. Personally, I suspect that the reason we were moved up the paranormal waiting list has something to do with our past and present productions:
Last year, we presented the musical “Fiddler on the Roof”. It is well known that this show is a fan favourite among theatre spirits due to the script’s respectful treatment of those who have crossed over. In the famous Dream scene, for example, over twenty performers portray ghosts, and two of the dearly departed sing solos. Most importantly, in the context of the story, ghosts are portrayed as wise and revered ancestors. They don’t return from the afterlife merely to frighten, but to help the living, and guide them to better choices. So perhaps some ghosts came to see our show last year and decided to stick around. (Mazeltov!)
Which brings us to our current production. It cannot be a coincidence that Legally Blonde’s original production took place at The Palace Theatre in New York. This building is well documented as the permanent home of more ghosts (over 100 the last time they took attendance) than any other Theatre on Broadway. One notable resident is the ghost of acrobat Louis Bossalina. Ever since his tragic accident at the Palace in 1935, he can occasionally be heard swinging (and screaming) from a trapeze up in the rafters. But if you ever visit this theatre, try not to look up. It is considered bad luck to see Louis. Very bad luck. The theatre’s most distinguished tenant is none other than Judy Garland, who performed a record number of sold out concerts at this venue. Staff say that Judy’s ghost has called the Palace Theatre (not Kansas) home since 1969. (I saw a show at the Palace in 1992, and it definitely felt a little eerie. But I didn’t meet Judy or Louis.)
It’s just a theory, but perhaps among the Palace’s huge roster of ghosts, a couple were Legally Blonde fans who felt that their theatre had become overcrowded, so they decided to come live with us. Are ghosts affected by travel bans? I’m not sure. But I am sure that if a ghost loves Legally Blonde, their favourite line must be when Paulette yells, “I see dead people!”
While we may never know for sure how our theatre came into this good fortune, we warmly welcome our newly arrived paranormal patrons. I look forward to introducing you soon. We will be making a couple of small adjustments to our routines to accommodate our friendly roommates.
To learn more, please follow through and scroll down to the activity that follows:
This activity is not just for students, but for parents as well!
. The quiz/lesson works best on a computer, but you can use a phone if necessary.
When you have a few minutes, I invite you to go to this Kahoot that I made for you. It has information and questions covering theatre superstitions, traditions, and other stories for your consideration.
(This is a Kahoot that you play independently, not like the ones in class.)
HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:
-Just Google: Kahoot.it Click on the top choice. It will say: Play Kahoot! - Enter game PIN here!
Click on it and enter this PIN: 03421167
Or, you can just cut and paste this weirdly long link:
https://kahoot.it/challenge/03421167?challenge-id=5c4f911a-5c0c-465e-9076-a51ae1ab4a2b_1587077507235
The quiz is just for fun, but if you could please choose a nickname in the game that resembles your own, that would be great, just so I know who was there.
I hope that you are having a lucky day.
Signing off from inside the theatre,
Mr. Sherman, and our new friends.
ISOLATION Monday 4/28/2020 12:15 AM
Hey Show Family,
I hope that you are doing well and that your families are safe and happy. Thank you to all of the parents and cast who have reached out to keep in touch during the closure. I really appreciate your kind messages.
I’m writing to you from the Theatre. It is getting late, so I’m sending this quick “hello”, because the original “hello” that I started to write a few hours ago accidentally became a very long “hello” that now needs some serious editing and at least another hour to finish. I will try to send that “hello” tomorrow.
Things at All Saints remain quiet and surreal. The building looks the same, but it definitely doesn’t feel the same without all of you. There aren’t many of us who still come every day, which makes the school seem even more empty. We stay very far apart, which is easy because we hardly see each other. On the rare occasion that we do pass each other on Main Street, we cling to opposite walls and just nod hello. This move is often followed by a shrug and a head shake that translates to: “This is so weird, right?” And it is.
I always remind students to have an attitude of gratitude, and to appreciate small blessings, even when things seem bleak. Well, today I realized that the one positive of the distancing routine is that my old friend, Mr. Bolder, can’t pester me for high-fives. This has been a huge relief. For those that don’t know, high fives are his favourite thing. We don’t know why. I’m not against high-fives at all, but he loves them way too much. This is our fourth school together, and I can’t count how many times Mr. Bolder has chased me around with his hand in the air yelling, “Don’t leave me hanging!” He’s relentless, and it is kind of endearing, so eventually I give in. Fun Fact: Years ago, Mrs. Bolder told me that while she has given up trying to break him of this habit, she herself no longer high-fives him.
Well, so much for this being the “short hello”. I just told the night caretakers that they can head out and that I will lock up the building once I’m done this email. So now it is just me (and the theatre ghosts) in this great big building. Isolation taken to the next level.
I hope that you all have a great Tuesday and a fantastic week of school work. Do your best. Even when no one is watching.
Miss you all,
God Bless,
Mr. Sherman.
DEALING
TUESDAY
MAY 5TH
Hello to all you Quaranteens!
Hope you are doing great. Or at least as great as possible under the circumstances. No one is breaking any of the quarantine rules, right? Right? Good.
This first thing is actually an announcement about an announcement. Sometime next week I will be sending out to you our latest plan for our production based on the best information that we have. As you know, things are changing by the day, and it has been a long process of planning, adjusting, and planning some more. This has not been easy for any of us. I want you to know how proud I am of all of you for dealing with this situation with strength, hope and maturity.
We are all dealing with many difficult things right now. But remember, “dealing” with a problem means that you are not letting that problem define you. “Dealing” means that you are doing your very best to accept, adapt, and thrive in challenging circumstances. How we react to challenges not only defines us, but it helps us frame our problems and keep them in perspective. Here is a quote from Michael J. Fox describing how he approaches his physical limitations due to Parkinson’s Disease:
Dealing with it is the operative word.
Not battling it.
Not struggling with it.
Not suffering from it.
Not breaking under the burden of it,
but dealing with it.
Dealing with being quarantined can mean spending your time at home wisely. Try to think of it as actual spending. Pretend that the old quote is correct, and that time is money. You only have so much each day, so try to get value out of it. Naps and Netflix might be costing you too much. Invest in yourself in positive ways. One day you will wish you had some of this extra time back, but unlike money, time can’t be banked. So plan accordingly. More details to follow.
Take Care and God Bless,
Mr. Sherman
TIME THURSDAY, MAY 14
Hello, My Favourite Quaranteenagers! (Yes, I am going to keep using that joke)
Not since Neanderthal times have teenagers spent so much time at home. Last week I stressed to you the importance of spending your huge amounts of time wisely. This is Part 2 of that message. The purpose of this sequel is to offer some more concrete suggestions. Some are obvious, some are cheesy, but all of them are better than honing your skills on Fortnite.
Here are a few ideas:
Obviously, you can spend time with your family. I understand that since you are teenagers, most people annoy you, but consider this spoiler: some of you won’t be living at home for too much longer. Some of you are moving out this summer to go to University. Three years from now, even half of you grade 10s will be out on your own. Time is running out. Go make some memories that you can reminisce about one day.
Plan for your future as much as you can.
Check out careers that you are curious about. Most people who hate their grown-up job can’t really tell you why they picked to do that for a living. Sometimes they can’t recall how they even got there. This has always baffled me. How happy you end up in your career is up to you. There are pros and cons to every job. Learn all that you can so that you can find a way to make a living at something that you are passionate about. This may lead you to this next idea…
Learn about different post-secondary schools. You have lots of time to do thorough research about where you might want to attend. How much will it cost? How tough is it to get accepted? What jobs will you be qualified to do when you finish? Will you look cool in their school colours? These are important things for you to look at. Everyone’s websites are still running, and all schools are taking questions over the phone.
Learn something new right now. This might shock you, but your phone can do more than take selfies and play cat videos. In fact, the total accumulation of all human knowledge is in your hands. Why not look up a topic that interests you? Learn how to build something, learn how to cook something, learn how to play an instrument, learn how to create an app that might change the world. Speaking of apps, consider using the apps that you have in different ways. NASA’s Instagram account is amazing, and Pope Francis sends out truly inspirational tweets. (But he still has way fewer followers than Justin Bieber)
In no particular order, here are some other things
you could invest your time in during this isolation:
(as a breathing exercise, try reading the whole list out loud in one breath!)
Start a podcast, mow the lawn, learn a new language, try yoga, try yogurt, take a free open university class https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue learn how to iron a shirt, create/edit the resume that you will need very soon, learn to juggle, try sewing, learn first aid, create a CV, google what a CV is if you have no idea what that is, watch Broadway musicals online, learn how to design a website, write your screenplay, send an actual letter to someone, clean your room, read a book, make a time capsule, invent time travel, visit 1955, go to the Enchantment Under the Sea dance, invent rock and roll, then unite your parents so that you are not erased from existence, floss your teeth, make a scrapbook, find out how to take better photographs, reconnect with old friends, learn how to do laundry properly, decorate your room, invent something, watch all the episodes of the Star Wars saga, but skip episodes 1, 2, the first half of 3, as well as 8 and 9, so basically watch from one hour into 3 until the end of 7, take an online Ninja class, write a hit song.
Those are all my ideas. If you have anything to add to the list, please send them to me.
Two things you should try to avoid spending your time on are naps and camping. I’m serious about the nap thing. Too many are not good. They ruin the rhythm of your day, they mess up your night sleeps, and you wake up more tired than before. Bad. And avoid camping because bears don’t respect social distancing. One of them could attack you, cough on you, and give you the virus.
Stay tuned for announcements about the show and have a great long, long weekend.
I’ll be in touch soon. Miss you all very much.
Hey Show Family!
Janie just sent me the video below. You absolutely have to check this out!
Thanks Janie! Stay awesome everyone!
Hey Show Family,
Sorry I haven’t checked in for a while. Please understand that this was not on purpose. In no particular order, here are the top 4 things that kept me from sending you an update sooner.
1. We are still waiting on official approval of our latest plan moving forward with the production. I was hoping that my next communication with you would be an announcement regarding this. As I am sure you understand, our situation is evolving by the day. Over the past two months, there have been lots of fallback plans based on various deadlines and other factors. One huge complication is the fact that each plan we make means a renegotiation of our show contract with the company in New York that owns the rights to Legally Blonde. They are doing their best, but delays with this are to be expected. Not only are they dealing with the issues of thousands of theatre companies, but their office is located on Broadway, in the heart of Co-vid central.
2. I was really ill. No, not THAT kind of ill. Other stuff. But I was sick enough that I had to book a weird virtual doctor’s appointment. (The “virtual” was the weird part, not my doctor, she’s great.) There are some advantages to not going into the doctor’s office, though; You don’t have to say “ahh!”, no one looks in your ears with that thing for no reason, they can’t test your knee reflex (does anyone fail this?) and, best of all, you don’t have to sit on that awful paper. I’m feeling fine, now, by the way.
3. My other family. We received some bad news last week about someone’s rapidly declining health.
4. I’ve have been really busy helping to get everything ready for the grade 12 Grad events of next week. We (the staff) all feel terrible that our first Graduates are not getting the sendoff that they deserve, so some of us have been working hard to make sure that we give them the best that we can under the circumstances. We have individual ceremonies Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next week, followed by our Virtual Online Grad, being broadcast on Friday. Make sure you check this video out. There will be photos of our shows in there, as well as on camera appearances by cast members performing the liturgy, and Wyl and Aidan giving the Class Historian speech!
Please know that I will be sending you all information as soon as I can. Thanks for your understanding. Other than all of that stuff, not much is new at the school. With one big exception. (If you are in Drama this semester, then you already know about this.) In the absence of people in the school, whatever presence has moved into our theatre is getting bolder. Last week featured new highs in terms of spooky noises, and things actually moving on their own! In case you don’t believe me, I am actively gathering evidence to share with you; On Thursday night I captured something very suspicious on video that I might send out.
Tomorrow I am going to try out the ghost detecting apps that I just downloaded. (The apps must work, they’re from the internet!) I’ll let you know how all of that goes. Wish me luck.
Alright, that is about it for now. I sincerely hope that everyone is doing their very best to carry on and push through to the end of the school year. As always, if you need any support or help, let me know. And don’t hesitate to email back if you have any questions, comments, observations, or statements.
Keep being awesome. God Bless.
Mr. Sherman
Hello To All,
Thanks to those who reached out to see if I was affected by the weekend hailstorm up in my neighbourhood. I was actually working in our theatre when the storm was at its worst. This was lucky because many of the cars on my street look like they were hit by a meteor shower. There were also at least twenty cars, a bus, and a fire truck that needed to be towed out of the flood.
The school has been refreshingly busy the past week or so. Of course, the big event was our three-day Grad Ceremony. We welcomed our grads to walk the stage, receive their diplomas, and pose for photos with friends and loved ones. I was grateful and honoured to be asked to be the announcer for the event. It was inspirational to see everyone’s enthusiasm and pride. It was terrific to see some families that I have known for a long time, and it was also great to see all of the Grade 12s that I miss so much.
On the other hand, (as Tevye would say) it was hard to say farewell to so many, so quickly. It was also very sad to think about all the things that these grads had been looking forward to; things that every class before them enjoyed, but that they were missing out on. I also thought about all of the vacations, performances, competitions, and countless other blessings that all of you have had cancelled during the pandemic.
Through a lot of the eighteen hours of graduate processing, a snippet of dialogue from Legally Blonde was going around and around in my head like an annoying song that I couldn’t shut off:
I would hear Margot yell her line from Act 1, Scene 4:
“Hey everybody, it’s the Spring Fling Bash Extreme!”
Then I would hear killjoy Kate declare coldly,
“NOT FOR YOU.”
Over the past three months, you have all been experiencing a whole lot of “Not for you”.
“Not for you.” can really be a painful statement. It means that people near you are about to be happier. But not you. When I was a little kid, my big brother would tell me, “not for you” a lot. Sharing was not his strong suit. Sometimes the “not for you” followed statements like, “There’s ice cream”, or “It’s time to go the park.” (In his defense, I was a relentlessly annoying tag-along.)
From a very young age, kids are taught by their parents to fear the “not for you”. Apparently, this lesson is so crucial that otherwise rational adults will tell huge, complex lies to their own children just to be sure that they get the message: Santa gives toys, the Easter Bunny brings chocolate, and the Tooth Fairy awards cash prizes. But only to the good kids. The bad kids get a great big “not for you.” These lies are very effective, and children learn that they are better off obeying their parents. (If they don’t, their parents’ imaginary alter-egos withhold gifts and affection.)
Today, grown-ups use words like, “Exclusion”, but kids still prefer the classic “not for you.” Eventually, children discover ways to use the “not for you” all on their own: Giving valentines to almost everyone, telling a kid that they can’t join their game at recess, or handing out their party invitations in front of kids who aren’t getting one. These “not for you” moments can be painful and confusing to kids. At least Santa had a criteria for withholding his approval. But children wield the power of the “not for you” clumsily, punishing the nice and the naughty without reason, and often without intention. Instead of teaching children to be good, now the lesson of the “not for you” is that life is not fair.
As kids grow into teens, the “not for you” situations get more serious. Many high schoolers have a group of close friends that love, respect, and support them. Some don’t. A lot of teens earn praise through academics or extra-curricular activities; however, some students’ gifts never get recognized. Many teens seem to effortlessly develop healthy and meaningful dating relationships, while others feel unnoticed. “Not for you” situations like these can be dangerous because they come at a time when young people are forming their grown-up identities. Teens who feel left out sometimes conclude that they don’t have enough love, approval, and success in their life because they don’t deserve it. Here “not for you” teaches the lie that the reason you don’t have enough, is because you are not enough.
Try to remember when you feel left out of something, that “not for you” situations are not your fault. Just in case no one has said it in a while, I’m here to tell you that you are enough. You are more than enough. You are awesome and unique. Stay strong, keep moving forward, believe in yourself, and wait for your time. Our present circumstances are not your fault. You have all missed out on many things, but in that we are all together. Perhaps now the lesson of the “not for you” is to be grateful. As our lives return to normal and we gradually regain some of our blessings, maybe we will all appreciate the many gifts that we have just a little more.
Please keep the messages coming, it is great to hear from you.
Finish the school year strong.
Signing off from the theatre,
Your Fan,
Mr. Sherman.
Hello to all!
I hope that you are still doing well, and that all of your families are safe and healthy.
So, in case you can't hear me celebrating here at the school, we just got the announcement that we have been waiting for. The Government plans on implementing Scenario One in September! This is the one where school is as normal as possible, with some accommodations. All the details of the plan can be accessed through this link:
We aren't entirely sure what that will mean for us, however, this was the best news that we could have hoped for at this time. I will send out a lengthier message soon with all the details that we have and our plan moving forward.
Until then, miss you all very much. Keep washing your hands, and wearing your mask. And keep praying, as well!
Mr Sherman.
Good Morning Everyone,
I hope that you are all doing well, making good choices, and making the best of your summer under the circumstances. As you know, our situation in terms of school next month is constantly evolving. With so many factors and decision makers involved, it can be frustrating and perhaps a little overwhelming. I was talking with Mr. Bolder yesterday, and we both wish that we had more answers for everyone in our school community. We expect to get a bit more clarity today, as Education Minister Adriana LaGrange will be joined by Alberta's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw for a press conference just a few minutes from now.
Please understand that your health, and the safety of all of your loved ones is always our number one priority. We are hoping that very soon we will be able to solidify the plan for our school and share it with you. In the meantime, I thought it was important to remind you that you are missed and that we are sending out prayers to everyone.
Take Care and God Bless.
Mr. Sherman