Many students don’t know we have a theater program (and even fewer know we have a school paper) and so it gives that effect of intimacy that bigger extracurricular activities don’t always have. I had the pleasure of taking part in the musical this year and I’m so happy I did. Over the course of just a few months we put together an amazing show and came such a long way. Starting off at the end of November last year with auditions, I didn’t really know what to expect or what I’d be getting into. As time went on and as we put in more and more time the show really started to take shape. By the end we’d be having multi-hour practices perfecting each detail to make sure the show was the best it could be. Throughout this time leading up to the show I was motivated by one thing… the people. Yes, I was obviously excited for the show but as we got closer to opening night and as I got closer to the people I worked with I realized that I was in it for the people. That’s the secret to CTC, it’s the people. Our shows are so natural because you are surrounded by people supporting you and cheering you on every step of the way. The sense of community in CTC is unparalleled to any other show I’ve been a part of.  Everyone involved works together towards a common goal. It’s amazing how much can be accomplished when everyone is working towards the same end, all the while having a good time in the process. Even though we all had different roles, we were united by our love for theater, each other, and our desire to put on the best show possible. One of the things I appreciated the most about CTC was the support system it provided. If you ever felt nervous about a scene there was always someone there to offer encouragement and help you improve. And it wasn’t just the other performers who offered support; our amazing staff including Mrs. Herron (Director), Mr. Mack (Music Coordinator), and Maggie (Choreographer) were always available to answer questions and provide guidance. It was clear that everyone was invested in each other’s success, and that made all the difference. Another thing that made CTC special was the opportunity to build lasting relationships with people who shared a similar passion for theater. I met so many amazing people throughout the production process, and I know that I’ll stay in touch with many of them long after the show has ended. There’s something about working together towards a shared goal that creates a bond between people, and I’m grateful for the friendships I made through CTC. All in all, my experience with CTC was one of the most rewarding of my high school career. It taught me the value of hard work, collaboration, and community, and I know that those lessons will stick with me for years to come. I encourage anyone who’s considering getting involved in theater or any other extracurricular activity to take the leap – you never know what amazing experiences and connections you might find.