Hail Chelsea High
Oh CHS
We’re loyal and we’re true
Our alma mater we do sing
For our dear old gold and blue.

Oh we are proud of what we are
And hold our banners high
We always will remember our years
At dear old Chelsea High.

Does anybody else remember Chelsea High School’s alma mater? I believe it was composed by choir teacher Tammy Barbret. We learned it in three-part harmony in our all-girls singing group, The Contemporaries, and sang it at graduations, concerts and other school events.

I am feeling nostalgic right now. I just found out exciting news that I will be directing the Fall musical at Chelsea High School annually, beginning this year.

I’m still trying to wrap my mind around this huge gift. To have the opportunity to give back to the community where I grew up and got my start in theatre is unbelievable.

And yet, at the same time, it feels like my destiny. To come full circle, return to my roots, and provide students with a fresh, unique, empowering experience in theatre feels “right” — completely aligned with my purpose in the Universe.

In case you haven’t heard me share this a hundred times before, my purpose for existence is to inspire others to do and be their best. A flower-adorned reminder resides on my frig. It is my guide for every choice I make, everything I do. “Does this [fill in the blank] opportunity fulfill my life’s purpose?” I ask with every potential venture.

Directing at Chelsea High is a no-brainer: the answer is a resounding YES AND!

I had lovely theatre mentors while at CHS: Bill Coelius, Tammy Barbret, and June Warren are right at the top. There was a Fall play, which was part of the sixth hour drama class; none of us in The Contemporaries could participate, as our singing group met the same hour. This left the Spring musical, for which most of us tried out and participated. Many of us also did Winter forensics (storytelling, dramatic interp, dramatic duo, comedic interp, extemp, etc.).

I vividly remember our experiences especially in the musicals. They are memories that literally last a lifetime. To be able to create with current students such memories is an honor and a joy.

I have also recently learned so much from the Dexter High Drama Club. Dexter teacher Erin Palmer has been instrumental in the past five years in building a thriving program, involving students and parents for a super active and fun group. I wished one year ago, upon moving to Dexter, and leading workshops with the Dexter drama students, that I could have had such extensive experiences with the high level of organization and huge numbers of students involved in drama.

Now I have the chance to call on the wisdom and foundation built by my own Chelsea High mentors, bring in ideas from a current successful local drama group with extensive activities, and infuse the entire adventure with my personal touch: enthusiasm, passion, vibrancy, motivation, inspiration, commitment, mentoring and bringing out the very best in every person involved.

Part of this process involves modeling for the students — as I model for my own children, private students and others — living out my passions, knowing and fulfilling my life’s purpose, and being instrumental in making other people’s dreams come true. How exquisite for each of us to become self-actualized, have fun, discover what we are individually and collectively capable of, to explore, play, let down our guard, connect, be vulnerable and known and courageous and encouraging of each other. Sounds like a recipe for success. Sounds like a recipe for Life.

We’ll be kicking off this venture with a rockin’ musical this Fall, that is sure to be a success: highlighting each person’s talents, collaborating, creating, connecting, and having fun, fun, fun.

YES AND is our motto. I take in what you say, I validate it, I add to it. We create together.

YES I’m directing the musical. YES I’m in the process of choosing the show (stay tuned for that news!). YES I am honored and thrilled to give back to Chelsea High AND create something new, fresh, inspiring and wonderful.

(Oh, AND I am currently accepting new students. My hours in rehearsal will certainly still allow plenty of time for private coaching. Call me!)

AND, no wonder I feel like shopping for new school clothes. The beginning of the year is near, and I am so excited. I can’t wait to share all of it with you.