Only four short years ago, many of the current senior Players were standing on the Staples stage for their first auditions. Now after lots of singing, dancing, and acting, the members of the Players class of 2011 are moving on to bigger stages.

For their final production of the year, the Players cast will be performing “Ages and Stages” which opened on May 26, and will be preformed on May 27 and 28 as well.  The show is a compilation of scenes and songs from many different plays such as “Hairspray,” “13,” “A Chorus Line,” and “Fiddler On The Roof,” among others.

“Although it has no real plot, it does follow a loose arc of growing up. It goes from birth all the way up to having a baby, “ Max Samuels ’11 said. Samuels will serve as the narrator throughout the show.

The theme of growing up is certainly fitting for seniors. Even though they will be leaving the Players organization, many of them will not be leaving theatre entirely.  Although some are not yet sure how theatre will manifest itself in their college lives, others already have plans to major in the subject or enter certain programs which will revolve around theatre.

Matt Van Gessel ’11 who will be playing Bruce in a scene from “Beyond Therapy” and Sir David Attenbourgh in “Time Flies” will pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting at a conservatory training program out of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Whitney Andrews ’11 will attend the University of Connecticut and participate in a conservatory program at the school.

“Throughout my four years in college I hope to grow as an actor and as a person. My ultimate goal is to be on Broadway,” Andrews said.

As they go on to pursue further endeavors in lives beyond Staples, the Players of 2011 will leave behind many who appreciated them to the highest degree.

“I must say that [my wife and co-director Kerry Roth] and I are particularly sad to see this group of seniors move on because they are so special and talented,” Director David Roth said. “I think I will miss their professionalism, their talent and most of all, their friendship.  This class includes some of the nicest kids we have ever had.”

The nine seniors have had a strong impact on the organization, however the organization has also had a strong impact on the seniors.

“Although I’ve been cast in many shows every year either in the ensemble or with a more significant role, it took me until my senior year to really find myself within the organization,” Greg Lastine ’11 said.  “You might not even find yourself as an actor, but as a crew member, or a director, or stage manager. Staples Players always has a place for you, you just need to find it.”

 One of Langstine’s favorite accomplishments in Players was directing “Once On This Island” with Kathryn Durkin ’11.

 “I put my blood, sweat, and tears into that show, but it was the most rewarding experience I’ve had in high school,” Langstine said. “I really explored a part of theatre that I didn’t have too much experience with, apart from directing a One-Act.”

Although the actors and actresses cite many rewarding experiences that have risen from their participation in Players, a piece of advice Van Gessel gives to underclassmen is to be patient in waiting for that opportunity.

“My advice would be to come with an open mind. People will be kind to you if you are kind to them. Stay involved regardless of the part you get freshman year,” Van Gessel said.

Although the nine seniors are departing from Staples with diplomas in hand in only one short month, they will be trying their best to make the time they have with Players last.

“I will try to make this show stand out as my last one by just having the best time with it, and trying not to get tired of rehearsals and just enjoying every moment,” Andrews said.

Throughout the production there are scenes that resonate with many of the emotions the seniors have about leaving the organization

“’Family” from ‘Dreamgirls’ will serve as our finale and the lyrics are so meaningful because, even though it sounds cheesy, everyone in Players really is part of a ‘Players family’ and I couldn’t pick a better song to be the last song I sing in the organization,” Langstine said.