December 17: We had a great cast party and we heard that we broke many HFAC records! Congratulations! This show was truly the BEST Best Christmas Pageant Ever and I believe this is why...the winners of the Contributions through Character Awards are...
HEATHER WHITE: She is always really nice and always cool. Although she always gets the mean roles, she's a real friend. She helps with lines and is a good actor. She is always helpful and when you are sad, she will cheer you up. She is really nice.
BETHANY EGGLESTON: She works hard to get her part right and does it with excellence. She is a team player with the cast and has a positive attitude. She hates gossip. She is always quiet backstage and never talks during notes or while others are talking. She makes rehearsals fun on and off stage. She is always encouraging others to do good.
MARK FLEISCHHAUER: He made me feel welcome and comfortable. When I felt overwhelmed and nervous, he would give me a pat-on-the-back and reassurance. His wit and sense of humor were often unexpected but definitely lightened us all up and made rehearsal more fun! He also contributed his time and input in lots of other areas beside just playing "Bob". He helps me with my lines.
*These were the other nominations that made our decision very difficult:
Elizabeth Almquist (Assistant Stage Manager): Elizabeth volunteered to be a part of the backstage crew. She had no idea she weould end up working as stage manager. She took on the role and work of an adult and has performed admirably under difficult circumstances. Her perseverence and hard work are an example to others.
John Almquist (Fire Chief): John agreed to fill a vacancy in the cast, even though his previous experience was behind the scenes rather than on stage. He attended every rehearsal and helps the angels & shepherds get into costume backstage. He helps move set when needed in spite of health issues. He is very nice, helps me feel welcome, saves me seats and we talk about fun things. He ties my bows and he cares about the play.
Zachary Angelo (Elmer Hopkins): He does a good job. He's funny and a good friend.
Rachel Burns: She is loyal to other people. She is basically everybody's friend and she doesn't gossip.
Teri Clark: She was very helpful with mic's and putting "bruise" make-up on the Herdmans for each show. She accepted the role of Mrs. Hopkins graciously and shared her piano talent with us. She was instrumental (no pun intended) on coaching the angel choir to sing beautifully.
Wyatt Clayton (Sound Tech): He has been invaluable in helping with pre-show and post-show sound duties. He helped with set moving and other random tasks without complaint. He sets a great example of service for those who are close to his age.
Jennifer Dennington: She is truthful. she is a great friend who makes the play and rehearsals fun while staying serious. She keeps promises and doesn't gossip.
Ally Fleischhauer: She is the only Herdman at all the rehearsals and she isn't mean to anyone. She knew her lines and listened to direction from the director. She helped me with my lines and sang along with her sisters as they practiced their carols. She received a lot of praise for her performance but did not let it go to her head. When she said, "Unto you a child is born!" she said it from the heart.
Jean Furter: He is funny and talented. He has worked hard at his part and paced back and forth while singing, "Sweet Hour of Prayer" before going on stage. He has an attitude of respect and enjoyed what he was doing.
Denise Haney: She has a loving attitude, a strong work ethic, loads of talent and a Godly demeanor that is evident to everyone. She is a wonderful role model for the children and a good example of how to be a disciplined actor. She is helpful and encouraging, she helps me when I am stuck with a line and makes people feel comfortable. She is easy to be around and converse with. Her quiet, humble spirit and commitment to the show shines through everything she does. She never complained about the time commitment and work. She is incredibly patient and kind with the children. I believe Denise lives out the value to which HFAC is committed.
Jessica Haney: She is very sincere and helpful. She encouraged me to not be nervous and to focus on the play. She is wonderful.
Lauren Harsany: She helps all the little kids get ready and know when to go on. She always does what she's supposed to do backstage. If other people talk loud backstage, she tells them to be quiet. She isn't mean and she knows the script left and right.
Asia Kreitz: She is truthful, fun and serious. She won't gossip and is always nice to everyone.
Julia Perez: She consistently has a positive and respectful attitude and worked hard at her part. She has a lot to offer to should she pursue being involved with another show in the future.
Genevieve Simmons: She knows when to have fun and when to be serious. She treats everyone kindly even the little kids. She is very talented and personable.
Allan Sturdivant: He attended many rehearsals when we never "got to his scenes" and didn't complain even though he could have been doing something with better with his time. He models modesty, patience and friendship to the younger members of the cast.
Thank you for a great SHOW! I hope to work with you again really soon! Have a blessed Christmas and an awesome 2008!
Cathy Weaver