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2010: ANNIE GET YOUR GUN
Jeffrey Germak:
It is said at East Juniata that you should not be able to graduate until you
know every mathematical sign that is in Mr. Hart’s room. Although I do agree
with this opinion, I also believe that you should not be able to graduate until
you hear the words “Back It Up!” TAG offers an absolutely amazing opportunity
and experience for any student coming from any grade level and any background.
For TAG is practically the only activity at East Juniata that could join
together the president of the Student Council with the captain of the
cheerleading squad… a multi-record holding track athlete with a germophobe
obsessed with Germ-X… and an extreme band geek who plays multiple instruments
with a clumsy individual who is constantly breaking things (we all know who
that is). Performing with such a diverse and hilarious cast of each production
has truly prepared us for our futures. For Penny and Mark Ritzman have allowed
us to understand not only others of different backgrounds, but also ourselves
for who we truly are. We have been able to open ourselves up and learn
exceptionally important talents and strengths through singing, dancing, and
acting. I strongly urge any student to participate in theater at East Juniata.
If you are willing to put your time and effort into it, you will learn and grow
so much. I was extremely fortunate by being able to act, write, and
student-direct for TAG during my five years at East Juniata. With the help and
guidance of Penny and Mark Ritzman, I was able to participate in ten
productions that were some of the greatest moments of my high school career.
These wonderful memories that were made are some that I will truly never forget.
Kelsey Martin:
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2009: SOUND OF MUSIC
Drew Ciecierski:
One would assume that putting so many people from so many different walks of
life into a small area and telling them to be dramatic would result in a
cataclysmic meltdown. At times it nearly did, but when it was all said and done
we were left with an unrivaled sense of accomplishment. I grew so much as a
human being in T.A.G. that I can't even begin to describe it.
I said during my senior year that my greatest regret of my high school career
was waiting until my Sophomore year to join T.A.G. That holds true to this day.
I participated in multiple sports and other events over my career at E.J. but
none of them left me with as many valuable lessons in humility and self-esteem
as T.A.G. did. T.A.G. isn't only important as a drama organization but is also
important in a very humanistic respect. It offered to us two fantastic and
remarkable role models: Penny and Mark Ritzman. Rarely does a day go by that I
don't use the abilities I honed in T.A.G. or lessons I learned from the
Ritzmans in every day life.
If you're reading this now and you have young children, I beseech you to
encourage your children to participate in T.A.G. and learn from the Ritzmans as
I did. It is a facet for excess emotion and stress, superior to all others.
It's for this reason that I can never thank Penny, Mark, and the rest of the
members of T.A.G. enough for giving me my second family and giving me a place
to fit in.
Kaylin Martin:
TAG! was my favorite part of high school. Not only did I make life long
memories, but I also learned invaluable skills in public speaking and acting in
general that have allowed me to continue theatre in a college setting. TAG! is
a wonderfully unique program that can incorporate a wide range of students,
from athletes to singers, to even computer techies-- everyone's skills and
talents can be used to make a remarkable prodution. I will never forget the
feeling of the last bow at curtain call with the entire cast, that feeling of
accomplishment mingled with the sadness that comes at the end of something
great. That's what being a member of TAG! meant to me--being part of something
great.
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2008: WIZARD OF OZ
Quentin Reinford:
Being in TAG!: It was an experience in my life that helped me realize a little
more about myself. It made me uncomfortable and nervous and through that I
gained confidence to be more bold. It was also great because of the people I
met and got to know. During rehearsals you feel like a family. Being in TAG!
is something I will never forget.
Sarah Brotzman:
"Back It Up!" These are the three words that come to my mind every time I think
Penny and my 6 years in TAG. I had the privilege to be in TAG its founding
year. I was able to learn how to be more willing to improv on demand. Penny
always let me try new things as well. I not only was on the stage performing, I
also got to experience working with the lights (climbing in the catwalks),
prompting, student directing, as well as building, painting and moving the
sets. TAG was a way to do three things that I love – Sing, Act, and Dance – all
at the same time, and for hundreds of people to see. TAG became a family, and
became so close to my heart that when it was my turn to be the lead in my
Senior musical the last night my heart broke. As I took my final bow my 6 years
of TAG all flashed before my eyes. To this day I continue to look back and
remember the memories that all revolve around TAG.
Penny – Thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience all of these
memories!
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2007: BYE BYE BIRDIE
Chesley Chubb:
What TAG meant to me: I guess at the time i didn't really think of TAG as
something that would affect me even until today(3 years after i have
graduated). TAG brought me together with most of my closest friends over my high
school years, created many great memories, and most importantly, it gave me a
sense of drive and passion to complete almost anything that I continue to apply
to my life today.
-back it up-
Lindsey Swartz:
I believe if any student out there gets a chance, they should definitely become
a part of TAG. TAG has changed who I am for the better. During the theatre
productions TAG would have, I remember always having a family both on-stage and
off-stage. There is so much work that goes into preparing a production, and I
believe that TAG made me a hard worker. Unless you have been in TAG, you could
not fathom how much work goes into a theatre production. TAG not only worked
hard, but also played hard. If anybody is questioning whether they should sign
up for TAG, I would tell them to go for it. I am very thankful for being given
the chance to even join TAG. When I look back, my best memories consisted of
TAG and I am sure that others who were involved with TAG would agree. I love
and miss every moment.
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2006: SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
TJ Breya:
My participation in TAG not only allowed me to forge friendships with wonderful
and talented people, but helped me discover who I am as a person. Furthermore,
the values that were instilled in me [discipline, cooperation, patience, and
memorizing a massive amount of information in a short period of time] have
aided me in my academic career.
Kestrel Wolgemuth:
We are not rich. We are not famous. We are not, by standard definitions,
notable. We are a bunch of artsy kids who live in the middle of nowhere but,
with the support and encouragement of our community, take it upon ourselves to
create something out of nothing. And sometimes we just order pizza and laugh
about what happened in English class.
Many of my fondest memories of high school revolve around TAG and the people
who dedicated their time and energy to fostering our endeavors. TAG was my
refuge. An oasis where students were encouraged to live life off-the-cuff. I
learned how to personify words and build forts out of printer-paper boxes. And
sometimes there was pizza.
The special thing about TAG productions is how honestly they are produced.
There's no room in the East Juniata Auditorium for pretense. I was able to take
that honesty with me when I left EJ and it's served me well throughout my
college career. I owe a lot to the hours spent after school with my friends and
mentors. Thanks for everything. And break a leg!
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2005: BRIGADOON
Joshua Lucas:
I'd say that TAG! was influential to me because it was my creative outlet, and
gave me a chance to put every ounce of energy into something productive and
rewarding. And to not completely sound like a stiff, mass-produced answer, TAG!
was just fun. Period.
Rachael Diffenderfer:
TAG for me meant being able to be myself. It helped me break out of my shell
little by little. TAG and theater also became like a second family. And there
is nothing like being backstage opening night. TAG also gave the opportunity to
be creative and little did I know that it would prepare to me lead the improv
group at my college. TAG will always hold a special place in my
heart.
