When Creativity Takes the Stage during COVID-19: “Come As You Are” Fall Revue an Innovative and Fun Night of Music
So many things have taken on a different form this year, and the performing arts is no exception. With creativity and innovation, students, faculty, and staff are reimagining many aspects of living and learning at Foxcroft — and Saturday’s “Come As You Are” fall revue is a wonderful example of how change can be really, really good.
Each fall, Foxcroft’s talented students put on a fall musical revue. While this typically takes place indoors on FoxHound stage, the auditorium wasn’t an ideal venue for physical distancing. So Director Karin Thorndike and her team brainstormed an alternative spot. With crisp fall nights still temperate enough to stay out late under the stars and 500 acres of uncommonly beautiful campus, surely there was someplace outdoors that could work!
Surely there was. The lawn in front of Schoolhouse provided ample space for students and faculty to gather, bundled up in the grass with blankets or content in their camp chairs. The foundation of Porch House, a building long past but still rooted in the history of campus, was the perfect outdoor stage! And string lights hanging just above the performers added a touch of magic to the scene.
Adapting to a new venue and COVID protocols might be daunting for some performers, but the cast of “Come As You Are” adjusted with ease — even to wearing masks while singing, no easy feat! Senior Julia G. emceed the evening with humor and grace, making space for disinfecting time at the microphone between each act as well as singing and playing the guitar for two acts! Vocal performers included Anna B. ’21, Jennifer C. ’21 (who also had the audience laughing with her comedy act), Maddy G. ’22, Jess W. ’22, Mary J. ’23, Caelyn L. ’23, Maya M. ’23, Ashley J. ’24, and STEM teacher Meghen Tuttle, PhD. Their selections ranged from classics like Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “Part Of Your World” from The Little Mermaid to contemporary hits like Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” and a Foxcroft-centric version of “You’ll Be Back” from Hamilton.
In addition to musicians, other entertainment took center stage. Freshman Sarah F. treated the audience to an impressive gymnastics routine, and the entire Freshman Class collaborated on a music video (filmed and edited by Marlow B. ’22 and Ellie W. ’23) to “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman, empowering introductions to the newest girls on campus. Each performer was on theme, coming to the stage “as they are” and bringing their own artistic style and flair to their act.
Bravo to each performer who shared their talents with the entire community! A big thank you to the tech crew who arrived early afternoon to begin set up; to Maeve M. ’22 for taking photos; to the Technology and Maintenance departments for all their help; to accompanist Eric Dombrowski; to director Karin Thorndike; and to everyone involved in bringing this year’s “Come As You Are” fall revue to Schoolhouse lawn.
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Surely there was. The lawn in front of Schoolhouse provided ample space for students and faculty to gather, bundled up in the grass with blankets or content in their camp chairs. The foundation of Porch House, a building long past but still rooted in the history of campus, was the perfect outdoor stage! And string lights hanging just above the performers added a touch of magic to the scene.
Adapting to a new venue and COVID protocols might be daunting for some performers, but the cast of “Come As You Are” adjusted with ease — even to wearing masks while singing, no easy feat! Senior Julia G. emceed the evening with humor and grace, making space for disinfecting time at the microphone between each act as well as singing and playing the guitar for two acts! Vocal performers included Anna B. ’21, Jennifer C. ’21 (who also had the audience laughing with her comedy act), Maddy G. ’22, Jess W. ’22, Mary J. ’23, Caelyn L. ’23, Maya M. ’23, Ashley J. ’24, and STEM teacher Meghen Tuttle, PhD. Their selections ranged from classics like Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “Part Of Your World” from The Little Mermaid to contemporary hits like Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” and a Foxcroft-centric version of “You’ll Be Back” from Hamilton.
In addition to musicians, other entertainment took center stage. Freshman Sarah F. treated the audience to an impressive gymnastics routine, and the entire Freshman Class collaborated on a music video (filmed and edited by Marlow B. ’22 and Ellie W. ’23) to “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman, empowering introductions to the newest girls on campus. Each performer was on theme, coming to the stage “as they are” and bringing their own artistic style and flair to their act.
Bravo to each performer who shared their talents with the entire community! A big thank you to the tech crew who arrived early afternoon to begin set up; to Maeve M. ’22 for taking photos; to the Technology and Maintenance departments for all their help; to accompanist Eric Dombrowski; to director Karin Thorndike; and to everyone involved in bringing this year’s “Come As You Are” fall revue to Schoolhouse lawn.
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An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.
