In the News

Molly Rickert

Margo, Educator at Otwell Middle School

What first drew me to Bright Star was the storytelling structure. As an English teacher, I'm fascinated by the way the narrative jumps between timelines and how that shift in perspective reveals more profound emotional truths. The story feels like living literature—where structure, character, and theme all intertwine to show how connection and redemption unfold over time.

Playing Margo, a bookstore owner who quietly falls in love with her childhood best friend, has made the themes of hope and gentle resilience feel incredibly personal. She loves with such quiet strength—never dramatic, but deeply sincere. Margo represents a kind of hope that is steady and patient. Stepping into her has made me realize that redemption doesn't always arrive in big, sweeping moments—sometimes it comes in the quiet choice to keep loving, growing, and believing in good things.

In the classroom, I'm always telling my students that stories matter because they connect us—to ourselves, to each other, to the world. Being part of this production has allowed me to live that belief outside of my classroom walls. I love that so many cast members brought personal items as props. It turned the stage into something profoundly human and familiar, almost like each of us left a piece of our own story woven into the show.

Lily Ray

Assistant Director, FCHS Graduate

Working on Bright Star as an assistant director has been very rewarding. I've gained a deeper perspective of the characters by helping the cast understand their complexity and find ways to express this depth to audience members. The musical is rich with heart and raw emotion. As an assistant director, I really want the audience to feel the characters' pain and joy.  Building those directorial skills with this cast has been wonderful.

In addition, everyone who has been a part of this process has been wonderful to work with. The cast has shown such heart for each character, and that comes through in the production. We care about the show and have worked hard with many long hours of rehearsal. Our hard work has been inspirational, and I can't wait for audiences to see it!

Savannah Cobb

Edna & Ensemble, FCHS Graduate

Being part of Bright Star has been a transformative experience for me, both personally and professionally. Surrounded by a talented and dedicated cast and crew, I've found inspiration and motivation that deepened my passion for the performing arts. The collaborative environment fostered growth and a sense of belonging, making the journey especially meaningful.

Bringing Edna's character to life posed both excitement and creative challenges. As an ensemble member, I embraced the opportunity to shape a unique role and contribute purposefully to each scene—especially rewarding given my love for the show itself. This process of character development allowed me to stretch my imagination and refine my stagecraft.

Performing alongside Forsyth County educators and staff added a layer of joy and camaraderie to the production. The positive energy and shared commitment at every rehearsal created a supportive atmosphere, turning the experience into a fun and fulfilling endeavor that celebrated both artistic expression and community connection.

Barbara Dabbs

Florence & Ensemble, NFHS Graduate

Being part of Bright Star has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. From the moment I joined the cast, I felt a deep connection to the story and the people around me. The rehearsal process was more than just learning lines and choreography—it was a journey of self-discovery, growth, and community. I found myself surrounded by passionate, talented individuals who inspired me to push beyond my comfort zone and embrace the vulnerability that comes with performing.

There were moments of challenge, of course—times when I questioned whether I could fully embody my role or keep up with the demands of the production. But those moments taught me resilience and reminded me why I love theater: it's about telling stories that matter, connecting with others, and creating something beautiful together. Every rehearsal, every performance, felt like a celebration of that shared purpose.

Looking back, I'm filled with gratitude. Bright Star didn't just help me grow as a performer—it helped me grow as a person. I carry the lessons, friendships, and memories with me, and I know they'll continue to shape who I am long after the final curtain call.

Kristin Norwood

Ensemble, FCHS Graduate and Educator at Little Mill Middle School

I teach drama at Little Mill Middle School now, but I started as a Language Arts teacher. Over time, I've learned so much about the arts I've come to love—but stepping onto the stage myself has been a whole new experience. Performing was intimidating at first, but it's helped me better understand the courage I ask of my students every day. Being part of this show has been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally.

I'm a Forsyth Central graduate, though I wasn't involved in theater back then—I was in the marching band (go Flash of Crimson!). Still, I never missed a play. Watching those productions sparked my love for theater, thanks to the dedication of teachers I never even had. When the opportunity came to lead drama at Little Mill, I jumped in, wanting our students to have the same kind of access and inspiration.

My band director, Mr. John Mashburn, had a significant influence on how I built a student-centered program. I'm so grateful for the way Forsyth County has always supported the arts—it's made all the difference in my journey and in the lives of the students I now get to teach.

Alexis Moody

Lucy, Educator at Chestatee Elementary School

When I first heard about the FoCAL center during Forsyth County's New Educator Orientation, I was immediately intrigued. I've always loved theater—grew up performing and even majored in it briefly in college—but it had been years since I'd done a show. Bright Star was a dream production for me, so when I saw the opportunity to audition, I couldn't pass it up. Playing Lucy, a character who brings light to a story filled with heavy moments, reminded me of the power of kindness. I've tried to carry that same light into my own life, knowing how much a single kind word can mean.

As an educator in Forsyth County, I find that this experience has mirrored my own journey in many ways. Life has thrown me plenty of twists and turns, just like the characters in the show. But performing has always been a place I return to—it's where I feel most fulfilled. The most rewarding part of this entire process has been connecting with the incredible cast and crew at the FoCAL center. Creating something meaningful with such talented and kind people has brought me so much joy.