Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for joining us for the opening of our 2024-2025 Performing Arts season and the production of The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night Time. This production wouldn’t be possible without the tireless hard work of the SFC students in our program. They never cease to amaze me when a new challenge is presented to them. Whether it’s a play that goes wrong, a murder mystery on the softball field, or a performance that incorporates the inner thoughts of its main character – these students are always up for trying something new and adventurous.

Back in 2013, I was hunting through one of the TKTS kiosks in New York- looking for shows that had last minute deals. One of the shows happened to be this very show. I went into it having no idea what to expect (which coincidentally could be what some of you are feeling right now). What I ended up watching was an incredible story about a young man (Christopher Boone). This is his story. While so many people in his life hadn’t really taken the time to listen to him or see what he’s capable of, he proves to those around him as well as himself that he’s a truly amazing young man who has found ways to overcome his learning profile.

I never forgot the show and had a whole new appreciation for his story after seeing it for the first time. It was pretty much one of those shows that was always “on deck” in my mind for the right time. This year and this group of students presents the right time to tell this story in a way that honors not only Christopher, but so many people who work through various learning difficulties. 

Before taking on this production, I had a meeting with our very own Katie Pratt. I was looking to get insight from her on ways to approach this material. My main take away from this meeting was that it’s so important to know that everyone is made perfectly by God. We are gifts from God, and it’s honoring to Him to use whatever skills, talents or abilities we have to spread His love to those around us.

To those of you who are about to embark on a brand new school year (which should be most of you), I hope this is a reminder that you too are perfectly made by God. You each have specific gifts and talents that are going to transform the world around you. 

I can’t wait to see what this whole school year will hold for all of us. Here’s to the start of another performing arts season!

—Matt Corsaro