Final Show Day

Blogger: Alisa Ross

What a bittersweet last day in Scotland. Waking up, used to the routine everyone had already established for themselves, it registered that today marked the ending of our chapter in Edinburgh. The morning was full of "last times" in preparation for our final show of Pandora: A Tragicomic Greek Romp. Last time getting ready, last time walking to our venue, last time handing out flyers, and last time finding comfort in our preshow rituals for this specific production. Our time in the dressing room was extended as the cast shared grateful anecdotes, encouragement, and contemplated the very fact that all the energy we put into this show had one more chance to shine.

There was a different energy on stage today. The cast agreed that this was our best show, that we poured our hearts out. An incredibly supportive audience full of family and some strangers (who still laughed a ton!) only added to our fulfillment. Thanks to Ms. King and Mr. Johnson, while taking everything down, we did not have to carry our rental boxes back through the city! We instead took pictures, congratulated one another, and headed back to our airbnb with the sun shining bright.

We all took off our costumes for the last time and got small bites to eat. Juliet, Kylie, and I all went out onto The Mile to get henna tattoos! Afterwards, we all met at the Fish & Chips shop right next to our airbnb to take a group picture with the hilarious and sweet employees that we visited every day throughout the day to refuel and chat.

Straight after our picture, some of the cast went to see Macbeth: The Musical. I personally stayed behind to get my packing out of the way, but from what I hear, it was incredible! We had a little bit of time to unwind before we headed out for our group dinner that all families who are here in Scotland were invited to.

The buffet-style dinner was a blessing for us 8 teenagers with a "butt-ton" of energy (If you don't get it, it just means you didn't see our show). Seeing most of our families and reminiscing was much needed and appreciated. Halfway into our meal, Ms. King shared some words about the show and process to us all, and gave each cast member a gift from the show that connected to our personalities and our time working on it. It's safe to say there were not many dry eyes, at least from the table I was sitting at. We walked back and embarked on our dreaded packing journey. Since I stayed back earlier, my job wasn't too difficult.

We have a long journey home tomorrow, though some are traveling elsewhere with their families. This show truly showed me what family is like. To feel such love and connection while continuing to discover and explore my passion for theatre is a feeling that will stay with me through Bullis and beyond. Of course, Ms. King and Mr. Johnson were the backbone of this, and the cast is already excited about future shows.