Letter from the Director

Letter from the Director

Eight years. Seven shows. A thousand memories that have shaped who I am.

When I stepped into this role, I thought I was here to teach students. I never imagined how much they would teach me. These incredible young people have shown me what resilience looks like when the spotlight is bright and the pressure is heavy. They’ve taught me the true meaning of teamwork—how a cast becomes a family, how one person’s hurt can ripple through an entire production, and how kindness can stitch those pieces back together. I’ve watched creativity spread like wildfire, watched friendships form that will outlast any curtain call, and watched students discover parts of themselves they didn’t know existed.

And through every moment—every triumph, every setback, every late-night rehearsal—I have been surrounded by a team that has stood beside me for all seven shows. They are the heartbeat behind the magic.

Mark Montcalm, our pianist extraordinaire, has been my anchor from the very beginning. He is my right hand, and on many days, my left hand too. His talent, patience, and steady presence have carried me through more moments than he knows.

My daughter, Emily Hoagg, has poured her soul into our choreography for the past seven shows. Even while attending college in Ohio, she drove back and forth, determined to help our students bring movement and storytelling to life. Her passion and commitment have shaped the spirit of every production.

Tim Tole, Bev Gahan, and Toni Tole have been the quiet miracle workers behind the scenes, turning sketches and ideas into breathtaking sets. Their artistry, craftsmanship, and unwavering belief in our vision have brought entire worlds to life onstage.

Zack Miller has spent countless hours perfecting lights and sound, ensuring every student has the chance to shine. His dedication is woven into every cue, every spotlight, every moment that takes the audience’s breath away.

My youngest son, Ben Miller, joined this journey unexpectedly—stepping in as a third grader to run a spotlight when a student dropped out the day before opening night. Since then, he has become a constant presence backstage, helping wherever needed, giving his time and heart.

But a production like this is never built by just a few people. It takes an entire community of talented, generous individuals who give their time, creativity, and energy to help bring these stories to life.

To the incredible women who have clothed our cast in imagination and artistry—Steph Hightree, Kelli Bonnema, Emily Pickle, and Margy Eickhoff—thank you. Your costume designs don’t just dress our students; they transform them. With every stitch, every fitting, every late-night adjustment, you help them step fully into their characters. You bring color, texture, and life to our stage.

To Drew Lough and Jeffrey Hoagg, thank you for stepping in to build our set and for being the hands and feet for Tim while he recovered. Your willingness to jump in, lift heavy things—literally and figuratively—and keep our vision moving forward means more than you know.

To our orchestra members, thank you for the countless hours of at‑home practice and Saturday rehearsals. Your dedication fills our theater with life. You are the unseen storytellers, the emotional undercurrent, the heartbeat that carries every scene.

To Carrie Balk, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with these talented students and for believing in this program from the very beginning. Your support has been a steady foundation, and I am endlessly grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me.

To Nikki Nash and the Three Rivers School Board, thank you for your faithful support of the arts. Your commitment ensures that our students have a place to express themselves, to grow, and to discover their voices. What happens on this stage is possible because you continue to champion creativity in education.

To our sponsors, thank you for giving us the financial freedom to dream big. Your generosity enables us to take risks, build worlds, and provide our students with experiences they will cherish long after the final bow.

And to the parents, guardians, and friends—thank you for every ride to rehearsal, every meal prepared, every volunteer hour, every encouraging word. Thank you for trusting us with your children’s gifts and for standing behind them as they pour their hearts into this work. Your support is the quiet force that keeps this program moving forward.

This team—my team—has walked faithfully beside me from the very beginning. They have lifted me, challenged me, inspired me, and believed in this program with a loyalty that humbles me. I could not be more grateful for their hearts, their hands, and their unwavering presence through every season of this journey.

And now, as we open this final show, our town finds itself in a moment none of us expected. Just one week ago, a powerful tornado tore through Three Rivers in a matter of minutes, leaving behind damage that will take months to repair and reminding us how fragile the things we build can be. Yet in the days since, we have also witnessed something stronger than the storm itself—the resilience of this community. Neighbors helping neighbors, strangers showing up with open hands, and a town determined to rebuild together.

Theater has always been about more than what happens on stage. It is about people coming together to tell a story, to lift each other up, and to remind one another that hope still exists even after the hardest moments. This week, that message feels more meaningful than ever.

With a tender heart,

Jennie Miller