I have really been enjoying my grad school experience. Most of what I've been learning is immediately applicable in my work. It is just a lot of work (my TV shows are suffering greatly as my time is spent on homework...) the funny thing to me is my attitude about grades this time around. In high school and as an undergrad- grades weren't super important to me- (as long as I passed with a decent grade). I never cared about A's or getting the highest score, I cared more about the experience. However, as an adult in grad school I really care about getting straight A's! I'm not quite sure why- I have to have a B or higher to have the class count and so far that is easily done. It's just funny to me that I care so much now- maybe it's because I've been a teacher for the past ten years or maybe it's because I feel as an adult I must always do my best. Either way- it's a lot of work, but it's worth it.
Now I'm going to be a little self-indulgent. I realize many of you read this blog and that is fine- sometimes I write to be heard, but most of the time I write for me so I can look back over my previous experiences and thoughts. Anyway, this next part is for me.
This is a picture of the cast, crew and orchestra from my
production of Oklahoma! As I stated in my earlier blog post- this is a show I've
wanted to do for a long time. I'm not exactly sure why it spoke to me (I think
the ending is a little meh- truth be told) but I just have a fondness in my
heart for the classic American musicals. Anyway, it was interesting when I told
people I was doing the show I either got a "yay, I love that show" or
"ugh, I hate that show" There wasn't really a lot of reactions in
between. So even though I was very excited to do the show, from the get-go I
had some mixed emotions.
Then I the time came to cast the show. I had a few
kids in mind for some of the roles and some of those worked and some of those
didn't. It was a particularly hard time casting because I knew I wouldn't be
featuring some of my best kids in leading roles. Some Facebook posts from the
time: "Seriously. This has been the hardest show to cast in my whole
career. The reason? Too much talent. I know, I know I shouldn't complain but I
am heartbroken that some of my top kids who've worked so hard over the years
will be in the ensemble. When they definitely deserve and have the talent for a
leading role. There was just someone else who was a better choice in the big
overall puzzle that is casting. Sigh. But luckily there are more shows
this year and more opportunities to shine. I hope in the midst of their
disappointment, they realize that.
My job is hard sometimes." Then I had this Facebook conversation with one
of my best, brightest and most dedicated students, "So, I
know you hate answering this question. But I need to know and never got the
chance to ask you today. How come I didn't get cast as Will?" I responded-
"Your interpretation wasn't the right fit for the character. You had a
great audition, you were really fun, but you just weren't the right fit. But
fortunately there will be other opportunities for you to have your time to
shine. There really is nothing you could've done differently. Believe me, I've
agonized over this decision." I then shared with him my Facebook status
which I posted above. To which he responded, "Thanks Ms. Parkes.
That actually helped a ton. If you couldn't tell, I was pretty bummed today.
But a ton happened last night (not at the social or anything) and so I was
mostly bummed and sad over that stuff. I wasn't entirely sad about this
decision. I was actually really understanding. Or at least trying to be. Don't
beat yourself up over it, you know better than me. And I'm glad that you're
trying to get me in the show more. So thanks Parkes. For being the best drama
teacher ever"
Pause. I was blown away by his response.
Blown Away. In fact, it still makes me emotional when I think about it. What a
class act. And what an amazing life lesson for him to learn. He is truly
exceptional.
So, as rehearsals began I had these
underlying doubts (based on people's hatred for the show) I was up to my
eyeballs in Shakespeare stuff and working on my first semester of grad school.
But I didn't let on that I felt uninspired and frankly tired. I was really
concerned that how I was feeling would be reflective in rehearsals. So, I made
sure that it wasn't. After Shakespeare I went on a brief trip to Disneyland with
my friend Jeff- the trip allowed me to take a much needed breath and I returned
with a renewed energy and laser sharp focus.
As with all shows, this show had its own particular
set of problems and obstacles. My two leads, Laurey and Curly faced opposite
problems. Curly was a fantastic actor with confidence but seriously lacked in
the vocal department (although he had potential, he just needed to learn
correct placement.) And Laurey had a voice that would rival the angels but
lacked confidence and had limited acting skills (although when she just let go
and trusted herself she had fantastic instincts). Never before in my career did
I have to work so hard with my two leads. But, I always knew they would
triumph.
And they did. In fact, they were simply amazing. I love
those two kids so much. Truth be told, I love all of them more than I can adequately
express. They are the most wonderful people that I know. I am in awe of my life
at times.
Seriously, how can you not love those faces and the energy in this picture?
Performances came and I was blown away by how much people truly loved the show. Not just tolerated it, loved it. All of my doubts regarding it being a great show disappeared and I tried my hardest to just enjoy the moment.
IT WAS A HIT!!!!
All of the months of doubt, hard work, lost sleep, worrying was worth it. I was incredibly proud and happy with the work that the kids had done. The morning after opening night I received the following email from another teacher (who I had never met)
"Oh my WORD!!!!
That was AMAZING!!!!I was raised in Oklahoma and seen several versions, that was by far the BEST version I have seen by non-professionals. Heck, they even gave those professionals a run for their money!...
The set was fantasticly simple so the focus stayed on the characters. Great role assignments that Ali Hakim and Ado Annie stole the show. Wow. Fantastic.
What I was most impressed and surprised by was the amount of men you had up there. So so so great to see men on the stage!
Also, a huge applause to your orchestra pit! Honestly, I have never heard a high school pit sound that amazing. Their opening number I looked at my husband and we knew we were in for a real surprise.
We have lived in 6 states and I have taught in 8 schools. We have seen our fair share of crappy productions. We always come to support the kids and leave at intermission to spare ourselves.
Not last night, we stayed to the finale. Wow! I teared up. Simply beautiful!
Thank you for all of YOUR hardwork and tell your kiddos the same."
Then after closing night I received a note from the 5th grade teachers at Hunter Elementary-
I LOVE IT!
Now for the truly self-indulgent part of this post. Every time a cast ends a show, I usually get a thank you card with heartfelt messages. I file them away and look at them when I come across the card years later. But, I was particularly touched and moved by some of the notes from this year and so I wanted to make them more accessible for me to read again (when times are tough) so I am writing them in this blog. So be forewarned there are also a lot of pictures!
"Oh Parkes I'm going to cry! You are the best teacher ever. I can not thank you enough for everything you have done for me. Thank you for helping me make Aunt Eller one of my favorite characters to play to date. I absolutley love her. And thank you for an amazing opportunity to be in Hunter High Theatre! I will forever cherish it!" Love always, Mara Hutchinson
"Wow. I can't beleive this is it Parkes. I cannot even express how much of a blessing you've been in my life. Thank you for teaching me so much. Not only about Theatre, but in life lessons. Thank you for constantly putting up with my shenanigans. Thank you for being such an amazing mentor, example and friend. You're such a strong example to me that I'm constantly striving to be like. I could never say enough. But I'll always try. Thank you." -Ben Rogerson
"Hey Ms. Parkes!!!!!!!!!!!! :) I'm the last one so I will have to improvise in order to make enough room for myself. I just have to let you know a few things. You have helped me in my life fare more than I think you will ever be able to know. I came into high school with nothing and you have made sure that I leave with everything. I truly feel I owe you so much and there will never be a way to fully repay you. Without theatre in my life I would be a completley different person. I came into high school terrified and unable to face the world around me, and even though you didn't really know me until my jr. year; still your kindness and everything in the program is what got me to that point. One of the reasons I never left your Theatre 3 class when I wasn't supposed to be there was because it was one of the first times I had truly felt welcomed from my first day, until, I know, my last. Having you as my teacher has helped me so much- you have taught me courage, and to be happy with who I am. And more than anything you have taught me so much about myself and so many lessons I will be able to apply for the rest of my life. You have taught me that it is okay to be ... me... I have struggled so much and one of the biggest things is never thinking that I was good enough or even worth it and these insecurities were really crippling for so long. You have helped me to see my own worth, to actually beleived in it and in myself. And I just want you to know how much you have done for me by even just believing in me me and really the only thing I can possilbly say is Thank You." -Blake Hedges
On a fun side note, I didn't make Blake perm his hair to play Curly, so for every performance, I spent an hour curling his hair with sponge curlers... I am just way too nice.
"Parkes, Thanks for everything you do for us. You beleived in me when no one else did. Thank you for all the time and energy you've put into this show."- Margaret Dzierzon
"Thanks for giving me a name in the play." -Dan Nordfelt
"Ms. Parkes! Thank you so much for putting all of your heart and vision into this musical. You have been so fun to work with, thank you for inspiring us all and moving my love for the performing arts so far forward. You have made this experience so great, what with all your energy and accents and love for the arts. We love you!"- Jade Otteson
"Ms. Parkes, you are literally the best teacher I ever had. It was such an honor to work with you, I love all your funniness and weirdness." -Natalie Segura
"Ms. Parkes- you are so awesome and thank you for this awesome experience." -Jacob Bjornberg
"Thank you for helping us throughout the musical with your positive outlook, you are amazing!"- Celeste Anderson
"Thank you for putting up with all of our shenanigans! You are such an incredible inspiration. I don't know how you do it all, but you do. And I can't thank you enough. I look forward to the many more productions with you! Much love!" -Trinity Gillett
"Thank you so much for this amazing experience! It's been so long since I've been in a show and I've missed it so much! Thank you for everything you've done to make this show as wonderful as it is! You have helped me grow so much and I thank you for that!" -Jennie Leonard
"Thank you so much for all the amazing things you do that I can't even number." -Joey Hall
"Parkes, Thank you so much for making my first high school play one to remember! Can't wait for all the ones to come. Love ya!" -AnnaBelle Smith
"Thank you for the best time of my life. I have had so much fun! I am so excited for next year!" -Emily
"Ms. Parkes, Thank you for being yourself, with all the hardships in life it's good to know that there is somewhere safe to come to. Thanks for making the stage my safe haven/home. Gracias." -Estephany Castanon
"Hey Kjersti Adeline Oda Parkes, You have truly made this musical fan-freaking-tastic!" -Steven
"Ms. Parkes!! Thank you for making the musical a joy for all of us! My confidence has increased greatly. I am so grateful I've had the opportunity to be under your direction. I've found that I have so much fun when I keep in mind that 'neutral face is of the devil!' Totally doing this crazy business next year!" -Mei Sorensen
"You are AMAZING!!! Thanks for making my freshman year so much fun! I will never forget this year and how much fun we've all had together, all thanks to you! You've made me laugh so much and I'm so grateful." -Emily Murray
"Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of your productions. Best part of my high school experience!" -Mikayla Herrick
"Ms. Parkes, Thank you for letting me take part in this experience. I look forward to many musicals to come. Thanks for being the best director." -Rebecca Fredrickson
"Ah! I love you. Thank you for putting up with all of us crazy, annoying teenagers! We all are so thankful for you and your guidance. You're awesome!" Love, Tiffany Thompson
"Parkes! You're the best! Thanks for everything!" -Brayden Cheshire
"Oh my goodness, this is it ... Can you believe I've been in shows all this time and it's come to an end? I can't even begin to describe my gratitude toward you, Ms. Parkes, you have done so much for me and made me amazing. You did that. Soon I'll repay you. I still can't beleive this is it." -Dylan Johnston
"Hey Ms. Parkes, thanks for letting me be stage manager! It was truly an awesome experience. Thanks a lot!" -Sione Sevelo
"Thanks for everything! You're the greatest teacher ever! Thanks for all the laughs and talks!" Love, Allison Taylor
"I love you SO MUCH!!! Thank you for the countless hours you have put into Oklahoma! I appreciate all that you've done for me and this show. Also, thanks for making my first kiss jappen because otherwise I never would've had it." -Amanda Murray
"Ms. Parkes you have been an amazing teacher, director, and friend. You have helped me success so much and I truly appreciate it! You definitley deserve all the credit for helping this musical and all others do so well! Thanks again, I'll miss you!" -Joseph Farnworth
"Parkes, I'm super happy that I always have the opportunity to be in the school musicals, and I'm so happy that you are the director for them. You always make everyone happy with your jokes and your awesome feedback. Next year will be hard to top!! Thank YOU!!" -Brenon Whitaker
"You've been such a great theatre teacher and director. I LOVE theatre and performing in general with a passion. You've helped me improve my acting abilities so much and I look forward to many musicals and performances at Hunter!" -Gavin Lewis
"Thank you so much for everything! You are an amazing director and I wish I had room for your classes! I can't wait to be in more productions! You have made me so much better at acting! Thank You!!! We are so lucky to have you here at Hunter!" -Dawn Smith
"Parkes... Well I love you! You are so great and I don't know how you keep up with us and still love us! Thanks for all the motivation and helping me to be the best I can! I'll always love/remember this show!" -Kenzie Lunt
"You are so incredibly talented and I'm so grateful that you are our theatre teacher. If it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't be involved with the musical. You are the most hilarious and genuine person I know. You are so talented and understanding and kind, you make everyone want to be around you! Thanks SO much for everything you've done for me and everyone else." -Tristi Meservy
"Parkes, My first and fondest memory of you will always be how on your very first time meeting me you said, "Well, you've got balls." It will always make me laugh! Thank you for all your hard work bringing this show together to make it great!" -Taylor Jeppson
"Thanks again, Ms. Parkes, for all you have helped us with, especially me. Thanks so much." -Dallin Summers
"Ms. Parkes, Thank you for all the hard work and time you have put into this show! It has been an amazing experience I will never forget!" -Alex Erickson
"Parkes, Thank you for all of your hard work and for sharing your amazing talent! You are so creative and it amazes me how you can create a picture in your mind and make it come to life! I'm so glad I could be a part of this and you made this experience so much better! Thank you SO MUCH!" -Allie Crsoby
"Ms. Parkes, Words cannot express how enjoyable this show has been. Thank you for helping raise me and bring me through my high school career. I look forward to future shows with you!" -Sam Short
"Ms. Parkes, thank you for making my first ecpereince w/theatre one I will cherish forever. You are amazing." -Huy Tran
"Ms. Parkes, Thank you so, so much for all that you've done for me and encouraging me to do the musical. I'm so happy to be a part of Oklahoma! and I owe it all to you. Again thank you so much and you're amazing!" -Devin Patterson
"Parkes! I can't begin to describe how amazing you are! Thanks for sharing your talent with us! This will be something I'll always keep in my heart! You made my love for theatre even stronger! I wish I could've done more! I love you so much!" -Andy Truong
"Ms. Parkesssss It has been such an amazing opportunity to be able to work with you more closely. You are such an inspiration to me." -Brooke Fernandez
"Thanks Ms. Parkes for pushing me to audition- I wouldn't have as much fun watching from the audience. I love you so much. Thank you for letting me be such a huge part of your shows. You mean a lot to me and always will stay golden." -Gabby Page
"Thanks for all the sick choreography and the totally awesome acting tips! My face is no longer neutral!!!" -Matthew House
I truly am so amazingly blessed.
