Burke Swanson

STTFS_Closing
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the year and a half exploring and playing james hopper jr. has been .… i post things on average 3-6 months after the fact, and, yet, even now, i am at an emotional loss for how to succinctly and precisely articulate the innumerable ways in which this character, show, company, and ~shift~ has so totally altered my heart, my breath, my life : my spirit.

what is most clear is how it introduced me to an incredible group of artists on/backstage that simultaneously sought to bring their best selves everyday despite also making this near-absurd show actually possible. without each of those performers and technicians, without the creative team that gave us the freedom to investigate these beloved characters, and without the family and friends who showed up in whatever way they could to support me throughout the entirety of this pRoCeSs, i can say with certainty that i would be far less sane and whole. thank you.

big shout out to the new and old fans/audiences that showed up each night to dive into this story with us. it is in that space between our breath and yours that brought this world to life, and how lovely to know that we will continue to experience that wonder, tragedy, awe, and hope together again each time we return to the theatre. this art form is so very special, and for this show to have pushed the boundaries of what is possible, while also having it’s core remain grounded in community is a gift of the form. thank you for supporting that here and forever more.

special thanks to DDLs, juys, and that iowa firefighter who taught me to stop-drop-and-roll back in pre-school.

p.s. this is the last show my grandma got to see me in. her belief, joy, and passion for the arts is at the center of who i am and i will forever be grateful to her for her sustained love and support. love you.