She Found Her Place
There are moments in life, often unexpected, and somewhat mundane that can unknowingly alter or reveal our destined path with the choices and decisions we make. As I look back now, I see how ECTC played an instrumental role in awakening a love and passion for theatrical arts in our daughter, Lainey.
From a very young age, Lainey was full of energy, charisma, and determination. Whether playing with friends, participating in kid’s church, singing, or dancing, her passion for life was evident. Often inquisitive, her curiosity about the world around her was seen and heard. Gaining understanding would lead to moments of peace and quiet - until the next round of questions would come to mind!
While navigating late elementary and early middle school years, Lainey, like most kids her age, was in search of her “place”, her “people”. In 2020, a friend suggested we try out Peter Pan, a summer camp at ECTC, as an activity to help fill the summer calendar. Lainey and her sister, Alexa, signed up for the camp. Lainey was cast as “Father”, while Alexa was cast as “Tink’s Sound Effects”. Every day after camp, the girls shared stories about friends (new and old), and how much fun they were having learning their parts at camp.
Since this was our first ECTC experience, I had no idea what the upcoming performance would be like. I suppose I expected something along the lines of an end-of-school-year performance with a stage made of sheets and a prop or two here and there. I was wrong! From the warm welcome of the ECTC staff to a stage set and ready for adventure, we were transported to Neverland by a group of middle school thespians with an impressive performance! That afternoon, what started as a summer camp performance, led to a 4 year (and counting) journey with ECTC, friendships that will always be remembered, and, for Lainey, a deep love and commitment to musical theatre.
Over the years, we’ve experienced the fruit of the dedicated leadership at ECTC pouring into the lives of our children and the children of this community. We’ve seen the excitement over the announcement of upcoming shows. We’ve watched as groups of teens chat about the ever anticipated (and, like Christmas morning, “never comes soon enough”) cast list! We’ve shared the thrill of post-show excitement and accomplishment by the actors, while surrounded by loving friends and family. We’ve cheered the results of state wide competitions. We’ve felt the deep sadness among the group as seniors performed last shows. We’ve laughed until we cried as humorous scenes were perfectly delivered. And, above all, we have been in awe as Lainey has found her “people” and her “place” to grow, to love, to influence, and to be who God created her to be. When we questioned her intention to pursue a career in musical theater, she responded with tears in her eyes saying if she didn’t pursue musical theater, she doesn’t know what else she would do!
Lainey began her 5th season at ECTC this summer with the intensive camps, SIX and High School Musical. She is enrolled at the University of Mobile where she will pursue a degree in Musical Theatre. We are grateful to ECTC for their active participation in Lainey’s journey and look forward to what lies ahead.
A few of the shows and roles Lainey has been a part of while at ECTC:
Matilda - Mrs. Wormwood
Addams Family - Alice
Snow Queen - Gerda
Crazy for You - Polly
Old MacDonald - Scout the Mouse
Music Man - Marian
You and Me Under the Sea - Miss Angel
Sound of Music: Nun and Liesel Understudy
SIX - Anne Boleyn
Junior Company
Tech:
Seussical the Musical: Choreographer and Stage Manager
The Play That Goes Wrong - Stage Manager
Clue - Stage Manager
Beauty and the Beast Jr. - Assistant Choreographer and Music Director
Peter Pan Jr. - Assistant Choreographer and Music Director
Florida Theater Conference
High School Musical - Stage Manager and Dance Captain
