The final curtain has fallen on the set of You Caught Me Dancing. The production will hold a special place in the department’s history as the last show directed by the late Rex Stephenson. For many students, it was an opportunity to grow as performers and showcase their talents both on and off stage.

“I helped do a little bit of everything; stage setting, comms, a little backstage management,” said Nick Gore, a junior. “It can be really stressful at times. You have to make sure everybody is where they need to be, in their correct places, and ready to go on stage at all times. This is only my second show here, but I’m a pretty quick learner. Once I see something done once, I’ve got it.”

For first-year student Michael Tate-Blanks, the show marked his debut on the Ferrum stage and reignited his passion for performing.

“The most memorable part of this show for me was when I got to sing my song,” Tate-Blanks said. “I felt almost aggressive and powerful. Everyone was clapping, and it just felt good. I mean, I get nervous right before I go out, but once I’m on stage, it all just melts away.”

For others, the production carried an extra layer of meaning, reuniting both friends and family during a time when they needed it most.

“The second time I helped with You Caught Me Dancing was bittersweet,” said Keiran Groce, a senior. “This show was completed in Rex’s memory, and you could feel the emotion in the air. There were moments backstage when I worried someone might actually break down in tears. It was also meaningful to have (former theatre students) TJ Baker and Ahna Tyree back, even though the circumstances weren’t ideal. Theatre has a way of bringing people together like that.”

For those involved, You Caught Me Dancing was a place where students could come together, support one another, and find a little healing through music, movement, teamwork, and performance while creating memories that will carry well into future endeavors.