“In March the earth remembers its own name
…and the name of every place is joyful.”-Mary Oliver, Worm Moon
The beautiful awakening of spring reminds us of our own transformation unfolding within as we embody the life of Jesus. As flowers bloom and the sun shines warmer, we remember what our mission is all about: growing youth in character and purpose. We celebrate all the joy of this season as we reach the halfway point in fundraising for renovations at Manor Church. We are grateful and excited for the impact it will have on our youth and community.
In March, the cast and crew of both our spring shows began rehearsals. The timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice, with all its wit and romance will perform May 8-16. The beloved musical adventure, Seussical, performs May 29-June 6. Purchase your tickets today on our website!
Spotlight – Trevin Miller
It was such a joy to sit down with one of the Journey Theater’s long-time students and hear about his experience over the years. Trevin Miller has been with Journey since early childhood and is now preparing for an exciting new chapter as he graduates later this spring. In our conversation, Trevin reflects on the lessons he has learned over the years and offers some heartfelt encouragement for younger students hoping to dive into musical theater with Journey.
You’ve been part of Journey Theater for so many years—what’s something you learned early on that didn’t fully click until much later?
This theme will probably remain pretty prevalent throughout all my answers, but for sure the community. When I was younger I wasn’t the most incredibly outgoing person, but I knew older kids who would come and talk to me and really be a friend to me. As I’ve grown and become a teenager, moved to homeschooling, and deepened my faith and relationships, I’ve truly seen how deeply this community runs. Everyone is there supporting everyone else, the older students invest in the younger students, and the teachers get deeply involved with their students, becoming practically like friends to them.
Over the years, how have you seen Journey Theater shape your skills and your character—both on stage and in everyday life?
Oh where to even begin haha! Back when I was in preschool, I’d be that one kid in the recital not singing, and then run offstage crying. Onstage I’ve really grown in my confidence, and also in my singing, dancing, and acting! It’s been continuous growth through my entire journey (no pun intended). Characterwise, same thing! Ask any of my friends, I’m one of the most outgoing and social people you’ll meet, and I credit Journey with that. It’s taught me so much in how to be a good communicator, strong worker, good and caring friend, have strong ethics and morals, hold integrity, and more, all whilst imbuing everything with Christ.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice before your first production, what would it be?
Hmmmmmmm, good question! I’d probably have to tell him to be confident and go talk to people. What I’ve realized is that in all of life, confidence really is a major key to success, if you believe it, if you believe in others, you’re simply more likely to be successful. The people in Journey are so kind, and you never know when you may meet a lifelong friend (I’ve met many of those!). If you get started early, even better! You and your friends get to go through the program together and grow with each other, which is such a beautiful thing.
What’s something about Journey Theater that you think parents might not realize right away—but ends up being one of the most valuable parts?
I don’t think that new parents realize immediately just how welcoming this community is. I’ve heard countless stories of students finding their place here among all of us or making a new best friend, and it’s absolutely beautiful. When you spend 8 weeks in a small classroom setting or 5-6 weeks in a rehearsal setting, you make friends, and I mean, really close friends. If you’re in a show, the parents get to meet other parents and (from what I’ve heard) the parents are just as welcoming as the students. From new students to faculty, the entire community is both tightly-knit, and always ready for new friends to come and join them. Journey Theater WILL change your life, I guarantee it.
What would you say to encourage someone new or nervous to give Journey Theater a try?
Ooooooooooo, I think I’d say just go for it!! Put yourself out there!! The people at Journey aren’t judging, they’re supportive, they’re loving, they’re helpful, and more! You meet so many of just the coolest, sweetest people, you get to try out the crazy hobby that is theater, you get to grow as both a performer and a person, and you get a lifelong memory. Journey is so much more than a program, it’s a people, and that’s truly what makes it beautiful. So go for it! Give it a shot, let Journey in and your life will change, trust me, it changed mine.
We are grateful for all that this season brings and look forward to seeing our community grow. Looking for youth summer camps? We have kid’s musical theater camps and show-in-a-week teen camps available throughout the summer. Sign up on our website. As always, thank you to our volunteers, supporters, and staff for making Journey Theater possible.