First Year Players has performed musical for the University of Virginia for eighteen years! Can you believe it?

I wanted to start with that tidbit of information for two reasons: First, it makes me feel old! I now have the pleasure of saying that I've been involved with First Year Players for little under a quarter of its existence. WOW! Secondly, it shows you - the patron - just how long First Year Players has been touching people's lives. I recently browsed the FYP website to find a few messages from alumni that caught my eye. Scott Anderson, an alum from 1989-1990, met his wife through FYP and together they wrote FYP's first constitution. And Mark Brunkhart wrote this endearing message: "I stumbled across your site and came into some great memories. I was a former FYP'er starting with Little Shop of Horrors in '97... Those were incredible times, and I can't help but smile when I see pictures of the SAB converted into yet another theatre." Stories like these are what FYP is all about. An, in order to create wonderful stories like these, it takes amazing people. For four years, the people involved with First Year Players have blessed me more than words can say. I won't stop there, however, and render the task impossible. Instead, I'll start in alphabetical order!

Amber Dickerson:... is one of the most positive and hard working people I know. Yo've done so much for FYP and you are truly missed!

Ann Marie Czaban: There are very few people that I look up to from the very first day I meet time - you are one of those people. Your confidence and beauty radiate fro you big smile and bright blue eyes. More than an amazing Business Manager, you are a true friend. Thank you so much for everything.

Beth Miller: One great person after another! My partner in crime - you are the wittiest person I know, and one fantastic dancer. FYP is fortunate to have you as an Assistant Choreographer - for a second time! Thank you so much for being such a great friend.

B-Gang: This notorious group was started my first year in FYP. Booty, Becky, Bertha, Bobbie Sue, and Bubba - what fond memories! I will never forget the fun we had or our "B" camaraderie.

Brian Kraft: A natural born leader and an inspiration to me! You're the grad-daddy of FYP - WOW! Seriously, your dedication and drive are phenomenal and you've given me some tough shoes to Fill. I hope that I've made you proud.

CAST: What a joy to work with! Your talent is quite possibly one of the best FYP has ever seen. Take that talent and run with it - I am proud of all of you!

Dave Conlon: My favorite English major. Your positive attitude and love for FYP are never-ending. I appreciate all of the hard work you've done for FYP and the great ideas you've had for the organization along the way. Thanks so much!

Emily Clinger: What a talented woman wrapped in such a quiet disposition! I'm privileged this semester to have you as Director. Thanks for your dedication and friendship. You're amazing!

Everyone on my Staff: Thank you SO MUCH for your commitment to working hard and producing a great show. You are the foundation of every musical we do and Big River could not have been done without you.

Francis Gopez: ... has got the best laugh in the entire world! I am proud to have you as the Assistant Director this semester. Your energy and commitment to Big River has been outstanding - thanks so much!

Jeff Totten: The hardest working, most determined person I know. Your work as the Technical Director has been exquisite. You've touched my life, as well as many others, in so many wonderful ways. Thanks for being a great friend.

John Wertman: The piano man. I am honored to have you as Co-Vocal Director in FYP this semester. You are amazingly talented and I feel privileged to have gotten to know you over the past couple semesters.

Kristen Gibbs: ...is going to kill me by the time I've done with my Producer's Notes. Seriously, you've been such a hard worker in so many different aspects of FYP - you're a true gem in this organization. Thank you.

Martin Ho: A pure musical genius! You have been such an asset to FYP and instrumental in making the pit band the highly organized talent it is today. You have dedicated so much of your time and energy to the benefit of this organization, and I owe you many thanks.

Matt Gordon: Though he isn't working with FYP this semester, his dedication to the organization over the past couple of semesters has been wonderful. I truly appreciate everything you've done - you're the best.

Paul Kim: Not a person in this world can match the kind-hearted commitment you have towards everything you do. You are a pure treasure to FYP and I hope that this organization holds you close for many semesters to come. I am so glad I had the chance to work with you.

Rosie Forrest: My trust assistant. Your talent and strength of leadership are priceless - FYP is forever indebted to you for the many wonderful things you've done. Thanks for standing by my side and for working so hard. You're absolutely fantastic!

Ryan Johnson: ...makes me smile! You take any task and perform it perfectly. I am proud to have you as the Musical Director - your leadership and organizational abilities are phenomenal! Thank you so much for working so hard.

Sarah Brucker: My Woodstock girl and my very first assistant. I am so proud of you. You have helped me in so many ways - both inside and outside of FYP. Your talent, creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment are unstoppable. Thank you so much for everything.

Scott Talbert: What a master of technical excellence! I appreciate everything you've done for FYP. You're phenomenal!

Stephanie Timmons: Though she's not involved with FYP this semester, I think that she's probably done every job this organization can offer! Aside form being a wonderful friend, you have been a true asset to this organization. Thank you so much for your dedication and playful enthusiasm.

Tom Cottrill: You are a tough act to follow. Words cannot express how much I want to thank you for all your advice and direction. You are a true friend and someone I will miss deeply.

Will Slusher: Anytime I look at our webpage I am reminded of how very intelligent and talented you are. You have filled the role of Webmaster with such excellence and professionalism. I'm so glad I was able to work with you when the web page was akin to infancy.

Valerie Shellhamer: What a beautiful and artistic woman! We were privileged to have you as a technical artist - and you are truly missed! Thanks for everything.

These are, by far, not all the people that deserve thanks. But, if I did that, this program would run for 50 pages! Let's just suffice it to say that FYP is a wonderful organization filled with many wonderful people. May it continue on its excellent tradition for many, many more years to come...

Jennifer Little