*wind* *guitar and drums* a lot of people think we’re just kind of like a dump.

We’re not really like as good enough as other counties.

We may seem full of people who just don’t care and have addiction and stuff.

But we’re not that bad.

*guitar and drums* Knock, knock, knock.

Hello, Virginia.

I have noted here that Cletus comes home today.

So I thought I oughta come by and check in Sure, come on in.

They should be here any minute now.

It’s been so long since I saw him.

Do you think he’ll recognize me?

Of course he will.

You’re still his mama.

We’re doing the Shiners play.

And someone brought it up as just a general idea.

We got a bunch of stories from fellow classmates about what they’ve been through in life, some of the struggles they’ve faced I bet you expected this play to open up with us back in the hills around a still with us making moonshine.

I can’t say that didn’t happen.

Everyone knew our Pa made the best shine in Owsley County.

When he died, we didn’t know what we was gonna do.

The family business was moonshine the Pa sold moonshine and the kids would help And we called it The Shiners because it kinda like also showing people can shine in Owsley County This is a student written play that we wrote in 9th grade.

That we didn’t see to advance maybe two months in the future *guitar and drums* If you don’t know your lines say "line".

If you need a script, it’s probably better off to carry it with you.

You can act better without a script in your hand.

I know that.

I was in Ms.

Nolan’s choir class we just started working on this and it really showed me that people around here can have a voice and I think that was really important to me.

Because I was just finding myself.I had just started High School and I didn’t have as many close friendships as I had after I joined theater.

And like we started writing it, and I was like who is Bobby?

Why is he coming in here and teaching me all this stuff?

So if somebody calls line, you read there line Until they say ok.

If you need a script.

Then have a script in your hand.

If you don’t need it, let go of the script.

At this point the script is going to start holding you back.

My role is really to surround the production and support it theater games and ways to get scenes on their feet and directorial support.

I’m a teaching artist, a theater artist and I’m working alongside of Ms.

Nolan and the students.

She’s the band director here at Owsley.

Band director, choir teacher, she teaches arts humanities.

So it was kinda a student body project instead of just a theater program.

Because we didn’t really have one at that point.

My mother is the director of The Shiners so you could say more or less that I got drug into it.

1, 2, 3 SHINE ON *guitar strumming* I just wanted to have a story from the students’ perspective.

It’s rare that a young person gets to develop material deeply.

Everyone would sit around in a circle, and we would talk about how we want to write it.

How we want the ending to be.

Just everything.

And I would pitch in my ideas.

They took some, they didn’t take others.

It’s just a play about Owsley County, really.

Our economy our drug abuse problems and how drugs tear a family apart.

I’ve seen so much abuse and domestic violence happen because someone won’t change their ways.

Because they are addicted.

You’re nothing but trouble.

I can’t believe I trusted you.

You should have left us alone.

You’re no son to me.

Stop!

Enough!

I can’t take this anymore.

I gotta get out of here.

I have to get away.

Most of the people that have problems here, it stemmed down from generations.

And they think, oh, well my mom and dad were meth heads, might as well keep it going.

they’re not going to amount to anything because of their past families,generations.

*chatter* Pa, what in the world!

Uh, your handkerchief was in there, Paul.

- Yeah, I found it.

In my family there is a lot of teen pregnancy and drug issues.

I have a lot of family members who are actively going through addiction.

So this play really hits home in those aspects.

Whenever we got to put that on and people get to watch it.

They’re getting to hear stories from families that aren’t as rich and don’t have as much as others do.

She’s been great at encouraging us to put ourselves out there with the production.

I would have never thought The Shiners would have ended up going to a competition.

So KTA is the Kentucky Theater Association.

It’s a regional and state competition.

The little one goes there, the big one goes here, We need to put the big one first.

Okay.

Wait.

That was the big one.

We need to put little, medium.

Where we go and perform and compete with different schools.

With plays, or musicals.

Originals, or something that someone else has written.

So we’re going to try to go there and if we can win and get to State we’re going to be extremely happy even if we might not place to go to State at least we’re going to go knowing that we given it our all *chatter* - Ethan.

- Yo.

- Callie.

- Yeah.

Arson?

Sadly.

Justina.

Yeah.

Brandon.

Here.

Allie.

Here.

Sadie.

Here.

Paige.

Here.

Justice.

Here.

Tre, I put Virginia’s broom in the trunk too.

- Alright.

This is scary.

It is scary.

This is not scary.

All right, who’s doing it?

Kayden do it.

All right, go.

*singing* Day-O Day-O, Dayyyy-O *singing* Daylight come and me want to go home *singing* Day!

Is that day, is that day, is that day, is that Day-O *singing* Daylight come and we want to go home *singing* Work all night on a drink a rum I’ve seen like people like just dog on us.

Everyone’s like, oh they’re just a bunch of hillbillies.

They don’t add up to nothing.

They’re all addicts.

They’re all druggies.

Of course, there is people who live off food stamps.

And there is people who make moonshine.

Proving people wrong.

There was like people writing on the bathroom stalls here at school "the Shiner’s suck" and all this other stuff.

We just powered through all the hatefulness.

And you have a lot of kids here that grow up and we see how things are here and all we want to do is better it.

*Singing* I’m as free a little bird as I can be.

*I’m as free a little bird as I can be.

* *Gonna build my nest in a big oak tree.

Where no one can ever bother me.

* *If I was a little fish.

I’d never bite a hook or a line.

* *No I’d swim way out in the middle of the sea* *and leave all you big fish behind.

* Small, small town, and we don’t have a lot.

And they have a lot.

Like, they have Subway.

And we don’t even have a big business like that.

We have little stuff like Spencer’s and stuff like that.

But I feel like the people here are a lot better.

Not saying that we are better than anyone.

I’m just saying the people here, we all look out for each other.

Like we all know each other.

Their mom and their dad.

Their dad knows my dad.

*Where the moon shines bright and the stars are getting light.

* Take me home little birdie take me home.

* *I’m as free a little bird as I can be.

* I like it here because the views.

And everything here is just so comfortable.

Just the smallness of it all.

It’s not a big sprawled out city.

The smallness of it all.

Going to build my nest in a big oak tree.

Where no one can ever bother me.

We got this.

I don’t see why we can’t.

even if we don’t place, we were here.

And we did that and done that.

Ao now we can go home and flex on everyone.

We went to KTA.

Clay County’s already performing right now.

We are missing Clay.

But as soon as Clay finishes, we need to get into the auditorium.

Hello!

I’m going to be asking you about us going on today.

If we win this, we go on to state.

- When we win!

Okay, when, when.

I’m happy to see the confidence.

Whenever we go to state, and we get to the hotel room, I’m going to have multiple anxiety attacks and cry.

No matter what happens, I think we’ll be the best in my eyes.

Are you excited to be over with Shiners?

To be done with it?

No, this has been part of my life for years.

I think it’s exciting to like share it with the next group of people we’re going to share it with.

Cause I want to go to someone who has not even heard for Owsley County.

They don’t even know what Owsley County is.

They can’t even say the word.

I mean, we’re the second poorest state.

We’re the second poorest county in the US.

*chanting* There’s the sun, and the moon, and a coconut cream pie.

There are no bananas in the sky, in the sky.

*guitar strumming* I think we’re all going to rock today.

And Cletus?

Yeah.

How are you feeling?

Good.

All right, excited?

Yes.

Or are you nervous?

No.

- Really?

Somewhat.

- Are you excited to be finished?

Ehhh, we ain’t finished.

We’re going further.

You think?

I know.

*chatter* *laughter* Hi you’re on camera Ms.

Hall.

You’re being videoed.

- Hiiiii!

Anything you want to say?

- Good luck!

Ya’ll got this.

*shouting* Thank you!

*chanting* There are no bananas in the sky, in the sky.

Right in the audience’s face.

You’re right there with them.

Bend over to them, Jack.

You’re like we’re going to make it.

Make it all that pep in that moment.

*chanting* We say go.

You say shine.

*chanting* Go -- Shine!

*chanting* We say boogie.

You say down.

*chanting* Boogie -- Down!

Boogie -- Down!

We say all right.

You say all right.

*chanting* All right -- All right!

Go shine win tonight.

Boogie down, all right, all right.

*cheers and clapping* Just go in there.

I don’t care which way you go.

*chatter* Sam?

Peyton?

When I holler your name, try to come quickly and quietly.

*guitar strumming starts* I bet you expected this play to open up back in the hills around a still, with us making shine.

Well, I can’t say that didn’t happen.

Our Pa always made the best shine in Owsley County.

When he died, we didn’t know what we was gonna do.

*singing and guitar strumming in background* My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me... I’ve made lots of bad decisions, but I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.

I’m from an uncle who left me.

I’ve always run away from my problems.

But now, I’m learning how to be part of a family.

I am from second chances.

I was given a second chance at life.

Where I’m taking it one day at a time.

I’m from a loving family who’s trying to stick together.

I’m from new beginnings born with hope.

I’m from a place of memories, growing, and being with my family.

That’s -- *all shout* Where I’m from!

*guitar strumming and applause* *everyone cheers backstage* *more applause and cheering* Aw, guys, they’re standing for us.

Are you serious?

They’re standing for us.

*continued applause and screaming* Owsley County High School, I’m glad you came today.

myself the President thank you for being absolutely brilliant conclusion To the Eastern Kentucky Regional Festival.

Thank you all.

Soon as you are done breaking down your set, please come out here and meet your judges.

Can I tell you something?

Guys we did it!

We literally did it.

Just now.

Who wrote this?

*everyone starts talking at same time* We all did.

You all wrote this?

Yes!

We had a collaboration.

Don’t change the accent.

Right?

They say that.

Don’t change the accent at all.

But we have to understand what you’re saying.

The band.

One thing that I really want to reiterate here.

There are Broadway musicals that have been incorporating the band as a character.

And I genuinely think that the music in this is a character.

there were times that the backdrops covered up the band.

And I was like, uh!

And put the band in every single piece.

Have it have it underscore the entire time.

Because they drive the show.

And that makes it Eastern Kentucky.

It makes it hometown.

When you have the group sing with everybody at the end.

Don’t.

We want to feature her voice.

We want to feature him.

Then we want to have something in a background sound for everybody else.

Instead of just making it one giant sing along.

Okay, get rid of that part.

Because it’s so beautiful there, it diminished it, because I lost the vocals.

I lost what was being said, because everybody was talking at the same time.

This piece needs to be heard.

it is an issue that needs to be heard from this state, from you young people.

Every single one of you on this stage are a shining star.

what you have done up here on this stage is absolutely beautiful and you should be so very proud of yourselves.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

*cheers and applause* I now have to basically Shanghai them away.

Thank you all for this absolutely fabulous day.

We are now going to thank our adjudicators one last time.

Everybody give them a round of applause.

*applause and cheering* How do you feel about the KTA performance?

Uhhh I’m ready to go to Applebees and eat me a scrumdidiliditious meal It blew me away.

Blew us all away and apparently the judges too.

We rocked it.

I think we’re going to win.

And I think we all looked hot doing it.

Blew the walls off my car door.

Car doors don’t have walls.

That’s how good it was.

The third and final representative of East Kentucky at KTA state conference high school drama contest The Shiners.

*applause* We’re going to state!

*applause* So be happy, don’t cry.

- I’m happy crying.

Well that’s good.

- I’m not sad crying.

Tre, how do you feel about winning regionals?

*clears throat* We came here to win.

We won.

Why is that such a surprise to everybody?

We also had crying happen by the judges.

I mean, come on.

* clears throat* We did it!

Yeah!

*chatter and laughter* I guess I can’t wait now.

I’m so pumped.

I was ready for disappointment, and I was crying my eyes out.

Is that how you feel?

*screams* If you win state, you’ll go to nationals.

they’re held in Lexington this year.

Are you aware that we’re the main characters?

We really are!

literally just life in general.

Like, because, okay when we started writing the Shiners our whole thing was the youth stories.

So we wrote the Shiners and we told our stories, okay?

And now we get to go to State!

*screams* *guitar strumming* *guitar strumming and laughter* What’s like the main character song we sing.

Let’s sing the whole way home.

No.

- Yes, who said no?

Me.

*guitar strumming* The feeling of being on stage, the adrenaline rush, it’s incredible.

when you’re standing on that stage after the performance is over and the audience is just standing there clapping.

I never thought I’d be in theater and then Ms.

Hisel kind of like begged me to be in it.

So I joined, and I ended up getting one of the main roles in The Shiners.

It’s fun.

I don’t understand how people could do this as a job because I like my free time.

And I’ve done theater ever since I was a little kid.

AndI literally have the passion to do it.

I was never, I hate this word, I was never considered normal.

Even when I was little.

I don’t belong here and I don’t belong here.

I’ve done band, I’ve done choir But nothing really fit until I was in theater.

I’ve went through depression, anxiety, and autism.

And it’s hard to deal with that when anxiety and depression is coming to you.

you have kids rising above the occasion every day around here.

And you would never know what they go home to Or what they don’t go home to.

And that we love them.

And that they’re so much more than what they think they are.

I know kids who their post high school plan is draw a check.

So if you’re drawing a check, you’re getting to sit on your butt and get money.

Mainly in Owsley everyone relies on like a disability check or something of that sort.

Or dealing, like dealing stuff.

For a long time, I think there’s just been this type of despair.

because we’re in the mountains there’s not a lot of access to things, to work.

There’s a ceiling here, and it’s hard to break out.

I feel like I can move somewhere and I can be someone better.

*Weep no more my lady* *weep no more today* *We will sing one song for my old Kentucky home* *For my old Kentucky home far away* I want to thank you all for your service But I really don’t know how to do that.

You guys have done so much and fought so hard I have enlisted in the army.

I ship to basic June 19th this summer.

they wanted me to write a speech talking about why I enlisted what’s up with that, and thanking the Veterans and stuff.

A lot of people talked about my speech so it was pretty cool.

I’m proud of myself.

cause I enlisted in the army.

it’s a leap of faith, I guess.

*applause* I’m anxious.

I want it to hurry up and get here.

leaving everything I know and everyone I know behind.

that’s a little nerve-racking.

It’s part of life.

You gotta you want to survive and thrive, and blossom I guess.

*guitar and chatter * We need to finish packing up.

Like this stuff over here needs to be cleaned up.

*guitar and chatter* Hey.

*laughter and drums* We’ll do a quick check-in.

And Bob I’ll just let you lead that.

And then we’re going to do a warm-up with them.

And then we need to do a run- through today.

I’ll start.

Bobby B, he/him.

Um or Bob.

I’m looking forward to being on the road with you all.

We’re touring this thing.

that’s a rare thing.

A lot of theater doesn’t get to tour.

So you all have already been on tour.

I’m getting ready to join tour with you all for this coming weekend.

So-- Wait, Bob’s coming with us?

You’re coming with us?

I’m gonna to be there.

I’m not gonna be there on the bus but I’ll be there the whole weekend funny side note I was born in Campbellsville so I get to return to the place that raised me.

So, I’m looking forward to that.

Checked in.

Uh, I’m Jack.

He/him pronouns.

I’m kinda looking forward to actually just getting to rest.

Even if we win or not, we’re getting our message out.

I don’t know where it’s at still.

But- I don’t know.

I don’t know where it’s at.

What county is it cause I don’t know?

Cambellsville.

- Cambellsville, there we go.

I’m just ready to do this thing.

Uh, Ethan, he/him.

And I’m ready.

*laughter* Short and sweet.

Um, my name is Tre.

Honestly, I’m just in it for the food.

I’m excited to see how the show has changed since regionals.

I’m Callie.

She/her.

And I’m excited to spend time with everybody.

I’m Kayden.

He/him And I’m excited to have an opportunity that I’ll probably never have again Excited to do this.

I’m Timothy.

I’m he, because I’ll never be him.

And I’m excited to get away from the stress once we’re finished.

I’m really excited for the hotel room Cause I got very, I got very good people I’m staying with.

So I’m very excited to have a little sleepover.

Arson.

He/they.

And I’m ready.

I’m just excited for our little like dysfunctional family vacation.

I’m so excited.

Like we’re gonna stay in a hotel.

And if we find the time we could maybe swim.

I don’t know I’m wanting to see these other schools across the state and like go up against the big dogs.

Cause that’s what it feel like right?

So, yeah.

And I think these guys have a good shot.

Diamonds are formed under pressure.

So how do you hold it?

How do you hold the energy?

I have to step in and separate families for there own good, get emotional, then pause.

And then I say, that one hurts the worst.

Then get back to happy a little bit.

I find if you get a good community to surround a kid.

They handle just about anything.

I say that goes for about all of us And we got some good folks around here.

We just need to connect people in need of a good community.

So that’s why I’m here.

Uh, what are ya’ll doing?

Oh, well where’s the shine?

Hey boys!

Where’s the shine?

Hey, uncle Reggie say what’s up?

Uh, what are ya’ll doing?

I’m making my own version of moonshiner’s teen camp.

Drop it, Cletus.

Do what?

I think it’s called denial where something happened but you don’t know how to talk about it so you just pretend that it didn’t.

Like, our Pa just died.

But we don’t know what to do.

So Cletus is pretending we’re in a reality show.

My name is Anna.

They call me Ms Anna.

Which kind of makes me feel old.

actually feels like yesterday that... I was in High School here.

Now, I’m back home from college and working with families.

Trying to make a difference.

Trying to keep these knuckleheads from dropping out.

*guitar strumming* 9 months in juvie, I can’t wait to get out of here, to see Ron.

He’s on his way now.

Mom’s home now.

I can’t wait to see her, it’s been ten years.

What do I even do when I see her tomorrow?

hey mom, it’s so good to see you.

It’s been like a decade.

do I hug her?

No no... What if she tries to hug me?

I’ll just give her a head nod.

Okay, no.

She’s my mom.

She’s not my eighth grade crush.

I wouldn’t just wave, would I?

Nobody tells you how hard it will be on the outside everyone’s just so excited you’re going home.

I guess they don’t want to scare you.

They don’t warn you about everything that will go and change while you’re gone.

Like how you’re boys will go and become men.

It says here.

She’s got out six months ago.

And has been through a rehab program.

Why isn’t she living here with you all?

*whispers* What just happened?

We’re supposed to sit there and stare... It was very awkward.

I appreciate the awkwardness.

There’s nothing I would like than to be with my boys.

For us to be a family I’ve just caused them so much pain I don’t know if I could take it if they don’t want me around.

It’s hard enough staying sober on a good day.

now that they know that I’m back, I have to try.

Not having a mother figure and a father figure is something that really speaks to me.

Because I don’t have a mother figure in my life.

She’s what mom is in this, except hasn’t ever stepped up and gone to rehab and stuff.

So, like drugs and like just, just that.

The whole idea of having somebody take care of you, like a grandparent.

That’s why my granny and my pawpaw do for me.

They’ve took care of me.

They’ve stepped up and took the place of being a parent.

It doesn’t mean I don’t love her.

I love her for having me.

I love her for having my little sister.

But, she doesn’t almost care enough to choose her family over her drugs or her addiction.

Yeah, before Ron gets back.

Pretend I’m your mother.

Okay, well, I was gonna say- Don’t pretend.

Just act like you’re telling her right now.

Right.

Mom?

Dad?

Can I talk to you?

Of course, sweetheart.

What’s up?

I have to tell you something.

What is it?

I’m... pregnant.

*sobs* - Shhh shhh stop!

Ron will hear you.

You think you can just rip the bandaid off?

Well, yeah!

I mean, I was hoping So.

In some ways, everyone’s just kind of resigned that’s what happens here teenage girls have babies.

No matter how many people are against it There are always a couple people who try to be there for the girl.

A lot of times it’s the guys parents Or usually his mom It’s very rarely like her people.

I’m really gonna need you mom That was better.

Thank you.

I can’t believe this, now you’re on her side, too.

Does no one see who she is?

I’m gonna go, I think you all need to talk.

Ron, you don’t understand No I understand perfectly fine, it’s everyone else who doesn’t She left us.

*Watch the raindrops race down the window and catch you hiding a stare* *The Ferris wheel looks like fireworks* *you dance in the rain like you don’t care* *the funnel cake just seems sweeter if I share it with you* *the milkshake tastes just a little better if you drink one with me, too* When he gets back in here I’m gonna tell him I’m pregnant.

How am I supposed to be a dad when I can’t even take care of my little brother?

*Every little happy moment is happier when I’m not alone* *Cause even if you’re miles away Wherever you are feels like home* *We take the long drive back to your house so you’re home for supper time* *And driving away after such a good day feels just like a crime* *And even though our time is brief and the days we get are few* *I’d still take a million bad days for one or two good ones with you* *Every little happy moment is happier when I’m not alone* *Cause even if you’re miles away Wherever you are feels like home* *Every little happy moment is happier when I’m not alone* *Cause even if you’re miles away Wherever you are feels like home* *I see the light for the very first time, it shines so bright all over God’s creation* *I’m no atheist but I won’t lie, I haven’t been to church in a really long time* *Where it all just goes away!

* *light applause* So that’s a way to keep your energy up, I noticed in the last scene There was little bit of, ok, we’re in the last scene But I think the audience needs to feel, how does this resolve?

So I think you all need to keep that energy alive there.

I do have a question.

In the last scene nobody was singing at all.

What happened?

The judges really talked about that to me and to you all when you were there.

They really want to hear the people on stage singing.

And this is their talent.

This is their song And they lost their voices when everybody else came in.

And they really wanted to hear them.

I disagree with them.

Because I feel like when we all sing together it’s like it’s wrapping up, and everyone becoming a family.

It’s almost like losing -- First of all this should have come up when it was first discussed.

Well I didn’t know.

I forg-- This was not my call.

This was something the judges said to try.

So, we’re trying it, Erin.

I didn’t know that happened.

I didn’t know they said it.

I like how we’re adding the music in it.

But I feel like it’s almost losing what we had.

I don’t think it’s going to be bad or anything like that.

I just feel like if we take out the stuff that made us feel we were a part of it we’re almost turning it into a musical.

I told y’all the musicians right now are trying to feel their way around cause this is new.

I think that’s what happened tonight.

They lost their energy cause they’re trying to feel their way around.

Once they get their energy back it will help bring it back up.

No, no, there’s too much.

I know, I still feel like it’s too much.

I agree with whoever said the silence speaks loud-- It doesn’t feel like the Shiners.

It don’t.

The original Shiners-- It doesn’t feel the same.

I don’t think it works.

- It doesn’t.

Are we gonna take the professional words that they gave us?

The people who have been doing this for years and have been trained.

And just say ... sorry What if it’s not about - Why are we changing it when we have one week and everyone is in a rush and stressed?

We’re changing a lot of things.

I don’t think it’s a lot.

It feels like a lot because it’s new.

I think the changes are a lot.

It’s a lot to the musicians.

Personally I think the judges knew what they were talking about.

We’re trying to tell the story of Owsley County and that story is music.

In my opinion.

As much as I really like the original Shiners.

I guess I just said that it doesn’t feel like the Shiners I really do feel like if we want a chance at making it to Nationals we’re going to have to step out of our comfort zone.

We’re gonna have to change.

They’re professionals.

We’re high school students.

We wrote the play, so let’s them give a little advice to make it better.

*Tell me where did you sleep last night* *In the pines, in the pines, where the sun don’t ever shine * *I will shiver the whole night through* *Woahhhh woahhhh* When you’re to the point in your life where you have no hope It’s easier to just pretend that none of it exists.

There’s no good, there’s no bad.

It’s just nothing.

A lot of it’s not brought out into the open until somebody’s dead.

A lot of people overdose here.

I guarantee in the last three months, I’ve seen five people overdose.

*guitar* *Her husband was a hardworking man just about a mile from here* Prescription medications, things like oxycontin that came through in the late nineties, early two thousands.

There’s kids that sell drugs.

And do all sorts of crazy stuff that you never would think a kid would do.

And it’s all because of their parents.

Parents shape the kid.

A good old saying, Monkey see, monkey do Exactly Even my own family.

There’s really not a family in Eastern Kentucky, or in Owsley That don’t have that person in their family that’s dealing with addiction.

Cause I know people they lost their moms or dads.

They go into foster care or whatever They get adopted by their aunts, uncles, grandma, whoever.

And they still live in a bad situation.

So many of them are from homes where they don’t get the love and the attention that they need.

The contradictions that are in the play are the contradictions that are in the students home lives That are in there family structures That are in there family histories.

So I was just talking about like mom and dad divorced.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I mean I went through that I did too.

Like three times now.

Well I’ve only been through it once.

It’s a problem, but it’s a problem nationally too.

Of divorces and break ups.

I don’t think people are taking it very seriously anymore.

It’s a commitment.

Depends what age you are Cause if you’re younger, and your mom and dad divorce.

Your whole world gets flipped upside down Probably the hardest thing for me was when my parents got divorced then my mom went to jail.

When my parents got divorced, it was okay.

Because you had split custody.

I saw her, I saw him.

But then she went to jail and I was young.

And I didn’t know what happened.

They wouldn’t tell me.

So probably not like a death of a parent, like a loss of a parent.

How unfair that is to them as a child They’re still kids.

And they’re having to be grown ups and adults.

And that does, it makes me sad, and it makes me angry *My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me* *Tell me where did you sleep last night* *In the pines, in the pines, where the sun don’t ever shine* *I will shiver the whole night through* *Ohhh, ohhhh* *And I will shiver the whole night through* Anyway, good luck, as you go up there.

Have a good time.

These are great memories for you all.

But at the same time you want to bring forth your best performance.

This is where you want to get ready and get focused in.

So good luck.

And if ya’ll need anything You can let us know And we’ll do what we can.

Good job, guys *applause* I love you guys!

*applause and yelling* Here we are.

On the beginning of the trip.

I suppose.

How we feeling?

Scared.

I feel great, I am pumped.

We are an hour into our bus ride.

Gimme gummies Thanks We just changed it to what the professionals say And if it’s on par to what they say I feel like it would be probably one of our best performances.

Are we doing pushups now, huh?

Did you have a good trip down?

Yeah, it was all right Wave to the camera Hi Grandma Hello Hey, we’re in Is this a school?

This is a school?

Dude, there’s a whole Kroger in a high school Either we’re just really poor, or they’re really rich This is the dressing room?

They got their own person bathroom in a dressing room.

I can see the jealousy on your face right now.

Molly?

Molly, there is a sink Ohh, they turn on?

This is a whole doctor’s office There’s a sink!

What do you think about here?

They rich, we poor.

Hey, Tre?

I mean, they’ve got a Kroger built into there school, So that’s pretty cool.

But, we’re too poor to be here, I feel like a misfit.

It’s fancier and it’s bigger but that doesn’t necessarily make it better.

I don’t really know the people, it looks nice on the outside But on the inside it really depends on how the people act.

There are 867 seats unless you count the amount of eyes on a full house and then it’s 1,734 And there is 14 outlets in this room.

How do you feel about the Eastern Kentucky groups that are performing at KTA this year?

I will always say Eastern Kentucky at the present is equal to any of the other regions.

20 years ago not so much because we didn’t really have an interest in high school theater in the state.

Valley High School are you ready?

*music* The change from different characters was really clean and it was just on spot.

You guys were totally jamming on this tonight so congratulations on an awesome performance.

*applause* That was beautiful.

I just rolled in I heard there was a tear jerker that just happened That was amazing, man.

What was your favorite one we’ve seen That one.

Brandon, what’s your favorite play that we’ve seen so far?

The one we just watched.

It was really good.

What’s the best play you’ve seen so far?

Bro, I’m so scared!

I’m terrified.

They got funding for their sets, their clothes, all the props.

They probable take classes, too.

Like in school for that.

It’s not fair, it’s not fair that we get number two every single time When that was number one, it’s just not fair.

You know what, we don’t complain.

I think we don’t stand a chance.

Why?

Do I have to explain?

We have poopy trees.

That are made from PVC pipe That makes it special.

Yes, but no.

We’ll find out.

No, we won’t.

First day of the competition done.

How do I turn this off?

Do make sure you are respectful in here this is a nice restaurant.

Treat it like a nice restaurant Be nice and courteous to your waiters.

Guys, feel free to tip them if you want to.

Make sure that you are the utmost respectful to the people that are nice enough to serve you.

And be patient as you wait for food this is a large group of people.

Make sure we’re being kind and representing Owlsey County.

Do you understand me?

Yes, Miss Hisel!

Do you understand me?

Yes, Miss Hisel!

Guys in the back that didn’t hear that, we don’t want to have to call you down.

In the past 3 nights, I’ve had less than 5 hours of sleep.

How am I still awake at this point?

It is so good.

You give me a fat juicy steak.

Mmmmmmm!

Well, when I was two weeks old, not even out of the hospital, my biological parents left me.

So, I never really got to know them and still haven’t.

She wants the grilled chicken Alfredo.

There’s bacon in it, is that ok?

I keep hoping that things will be alright.

But it seems like things are usually just getting worse.

26, 27, 28, 29.

Alright, we’re here.

No one is allowed to leave your room when your door is shut.

We will be duct taping doors and here’s the deal If it’s an emergency you can call the front desk or me or Miss Hisel We will give you our room numbers We will let you out of your room, Do not open your doors to leave your room, hang on Because we will know you cannot re-duct tape it from the inside of your door.

We need to sleep, we need to know you are safe so you have to be in your room.

Is that clear?

Yes, Miss Hisel.

You trying to make five bucks to tape our door back up once we open it?

I need my bag, too.

I don’t have my bag.

*talking* Females luggage is so heavy.

*talking* I turned around and I thought this was a person And it was just me in the mirror.

Seth, look at it, yay!

I thought it was just me - That scared me!

In the middle of the night just wake up and there’s your reflection.

Wait, like isn’t that bad luck with like a mirror right - Honey, you’re not gonna die.

Yeah, I will.

Listen here, I just lost my daddy I can deal with it however I like.

At least I ain’t over there playacting.

He was our grandpa, too.

*my girl, my girl, don’t you lie to me* *tell me where did you sleep last night* What is our word for tonight?

Beyond.

We’re not gonna yell, we’re gonna do a stage whisper.

1, 2, 3 Beyond!

Beyond to the swimming pool!

Remember to drink water.

*background noise* Good morning, how did you sleep?

Eh Good morning, Kinsey, how did you sleep?

Good Good morning, Lila, how did you sleep?

Uh *chatter* Hey, listen up, we’re not gonna have time to do everything we did at regionals.

So this bus ride needs to be the actors time to get into there world.

Will we have time when we get there or no?

That’s why there’s makeup and I’m never gonna look thirty, so... Alright, there.

- Is it good?

Two years from now?

Oh, yeah, he’ll be shipped out.

He’ll be in ol’ Ukraine.

She was in my face.

And then I rolled back over and went back to bed.

Yeah, so I went in there and started getting ready because I thought you were gonna get up.

*siren* Well, that’s my calling.

Guys, did you hear me?

Only take in what you need for the show.

Ok?

*bus noise* Makeup and costumes take you stuff back in there, please.

Let’s go, move quickly.

You’re too far back.

Turn those blue lights on, Jackie.

Do we have tape?

No.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Ok, let’s go.

How you feel about this?

You think it’s gonna go well?

I feel like I’m just gonna act and then I’m done.

Dude, I’m filming.

I don’t care.

If my belly hurts I will have to go to the bathroom and literally calm down.

Everyone is tired and no one wants to be here.

*talking and guitar* I want you moving right now cause right now you’re not moving.

Move your body right now, yeah, I know You’re going to have to fight that, that was a mistake on your part, you gotta fight it.

The sun’ll come out tomorrow bet your bottom dollar that Let your hands go up and shake em out and swing back up Jack, where are you lead the Shine.

Come on, Jack.

Go Shine, win tonight Boogie down, alright alright Go Shine, win tonight Boogie down, alright alright I say go, you say shine - go - shine I say boogie You say down - boogie - down I say alright You say alright - alright - alright Go Shine, win tonight Boogie down, alright alright *humming* Actors at places, showtime in ten.

*singing* In here.

This was your job and it’s not open.

*singing* It is wonderful anytime we get to bring to KTA a newcomer.

From Booneville, Kentucky Owsley County High School presenting The Shiners *applause* Owsley County Tech give me a thumbs up?

Owsley County are you ready?

Where’s the Shine!

Owsley County your time starts Now!

*guitar* I bet your expecting this play to open up back in the hills around a still with us making moonshine.

Well, I can’t say that didn’t happen.

Everyone knew our Pa made the best shine in Owsley County.

When he died, we didn’t know what we was gonna do.

*guitar* Hey boys, where’s the shine?

Hey, uncle Reggie, say what’s up *guitar* When I first started playing Pa I had no idea what I was getting myself into I did not realize that for the next four years of my life I would be playing this dead man Who was a Vietnam vet and struggled with a bunch of addictions cigarettes and of course making the shine I had no idea what I was getting myself into Honestly the character has made me grow a lot because Having to learn to act like an old person is really hard especially for a teenager It’s taken a lot of work to get to play him as well as I do now.

*laughter* I think we’ve got a chance.

Hungry Tired *music* Reggie’s been addicted to drinking and lord knows what other stuff For such a long time that he’s more worried about himself than any other person.

And it eventually comes down to that he runs off leaving Cletus to get arrested while he runs off.

that leaves him with the trouble of the family cause the family don’t really like him any more because of that.

But then when he comes down to it, he wants help.

Eventually he’ll want the help because he wants to be part of a family.

*guitar* Hey, let me see that!

*fast guitar* What are you two selling here?

*all over God’s creation* *I’m no atheist but I don’t lie* *I haven’t been to church in a really long time* *where it all just goes away* Reggie!

*guitar and drums* You got my kid put in juvie.

You did that, Reggie.

It’s not even Reggie’s fault, it’s mine.

I wanted to be grown and to be grown you have to take responsibility for the dumb stuff you did.

I swore to myself that I’d never let myself have no place to go again But after Virginia shut the door in my face What else could I do?

I tried 6 doors before Ginnie.

6.

So much for friends, right?

I don’t need them, I don’t need anyone, I never have.

Personally, I have someone in my family that is an alcoholic He’s not around very often so I understand from the kids’ perspective You want that parent to be there for accomplishments You want them to be there to support you And they’re not cause they’re choosing A substance over you You feel like you don’t matter to them You feel like that If they cared, they’d be there In all honesty, they’re just struggling So, I understand the kids’ perspective I see that it would make them angry because The one person you want to be there isn’t there That causes a lot of hatred.

Stay away from my boys You’re nothing but trouble I should have listened to Ron, he was trying to look out for me I can’t believe I trusted you you’re no son to me you’re nothing but trouble I can’t believe I trusted you you’re nothing but trouble - you’re no son to me - you’re nothing but trouble - you’re nothing but trouble Stop!

I can’t take this anymore, I can’t!

I gotta get out of here I gotta get help!

*and I will shiver the whole night through* I know I messed up I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to forgive myself But I’m back now and I ain’t leaving.

I just hope they can give me a real chance.

*uplifting music* I am from a loving family who is trying to stick together I am from new beginnings born of hope I am from a place of memories, growing and being with my family That’s where I’m from.

•applause• We left a tree onstage but they got it.

Good job so early in the morning coming out with such a strong performance I really enjoyed it.

Shout out to the Rookies, I really enjoyed the music.

I also thought you had some really nice grounded acting moments These are some tough issues to deal with.

Really loved projection, I could hear everything.

Love to see some more use of the stage or maybe within a scene a couple crosses.

to show reactionary movement I think that could be really fun.

Especially during those monologues Like your telling some gut- wrenching stuff like really get into it.

Let yourself go there.

I know it’s hard as an actor to let yourself really go there But sink into it Overall you guys are rocking it, I totally enjoyed.

Congratulations on your very first time here, too.

That’s a big achievment.

Congratulations.

*applause* Glad to have that part of it over with and we did well.

Guys please come listen to your sizes.

Hey, listen for your size.

We didn’t, we didn’t make ourselves look like fools.

I said we didn’t, we didn’t make ourselves look like fools, I don’t know why everybody’s saying that.

We had a few mess-ups.

A whole lot of the better plays was a lot more simple too.

Cause it made more room for everything else whenever the set wasn’t so complicated.

We did get to tell our story.

The whole point of the Shiners is just to tell a story.

That’s it.

And we got more to see.

- Oh god.

J - O - B Put them all together and it spells the end of the dance is being happy and carefree.

It was a run.

We were all tired.

We got up super early but I think we gave it our best.

And that’s all we can do.

We was like a V6 firing on a V4.

We was missing 2 cylinders.

It’s a new space, it’s new lighting, it’s new, you know.

All these things that are new when you’re doing this.

But give yourself a break on that and hold the heart of what occurred.

I think, all in all, I think it was probably the best we’ve ever done it.

I don’t care what the time was, which 44:30:28 cutting it really, really close.

Less than 15 seconds, oh Lord, that was nerve racking.

I feel like actually, no matter how much we bicker or argue at one another I honestly feel that something came back.

That spark went into a full on flame and that flame went into a fire.

We have come this far.

For so many reasons I can’t explain right now Each and every single one of you are talented.

We told a story to strangers that we don’t even know.

And we put so much time and effort literal blood sweat and tears from probably everybody.

I can almost guarantee - I actually did bleed.

Miss Nolan, are you tearing up?

At the end of the day when it’s all said and done whether we win or not I don’t know, this is our family.

I guess it just makes me really proud that you can come in here And do this work when so many of you have things going on outside of here.

That most people don’t ever have to deal with.

And to be able to perform like this And hold that space, and be able to put your life on hold When there’s so many things going on Just makes me really, really proud of you all.

Sometimes I just wish I could be a mom.

Because I know my kids just want me to be those parents.

That can come up and just be so happy and congratulate them after a performance And not see the flaws.

And I’m so proud of them.

You are awesome, you are awesome.

Can we just say that for a second together and say, we are awesome.

Can we say that?

We are awesome.

I want you to feel that and like I said I needed this to put my head in the right place.

So what I would love us to do is when we go out to hold our chins high To let them see our smiles if we have tears, make them be good tears And the pride of our area, our home and our story And the strengths of every single one of you And I am, I am very proud So thank you for letting me share this.

*applause and guitar* Let’s stand.

*talking, clapping and guitar* It’s got a huge beating heart.

The performance today, I was so deeply moved.

Because the heart of this production was just out there for these ten different school from all over Kentucky to see.

And one of the theater directors from Louisville came to me and was like this is such a Kentucky story.

All of these different thematic elements that are very difficult to deal with and grapple with And yet it doesn’t deal with them in a way that’s disastrous or shameful.

And here we are at state competitions performing with people that have been doing this three, four, five times longer than us.

If we leave here today without advancing to Nationals I wouldn’t say we lost I think we won.

We might have lost an opportunity to go to an even bigger event.

But no, we didn’t lose I think we already won.

My advice for our students is to find your passion.

And believe in yourself and just go for it because you can do anything anyone else can do.

*guitar* *the sun shines bright in my old Kentucky home* *tis summer the people are gay* *the corn tops rise and the meadows in the bloom* *while the birds make music all the day* *the young folks roll on the little cabin floor* *all merry and happy and bright* *by and by hard times come knocking at the door* *in my old Kentucky home goodnight* *weep no more my lady, weep no more today* *we will sing one song for the old Kentucky home* *for my old Kentucky home far away* *we will sing one song for the old Kentucky home* *for the old Kentucky home far away* First discretionary award in the high school theater festival for The Best Band The Rookies *applause and yelling* Let’s keep it going and have more newcomers next year But I am so glad to give the KTA Newcomer award to Owsley County!

*appaluse and yelling* *music* *When we die where do we go* *do we go to the heavens where no one goes* *or do we all just fire away* *When I get to heaven will there be a street of gold* *waiting for me Or will it all just be a waste* *music* *I see the light for the very first time* *it tastes so good and shines so bright* *all over God’s creation* *I’m no atheist but I don’t lie* *I haven’t been to church in a really long time* *where it all just goes away* *music* *When we die where do we go* *do we go to the hills where no one knows* *do we all just fire away* *down in the hills, down in the valley* *where the moonshine’s born and raised in Owsley County* *where it all just goes away* Every single person here are very, very talented.

And I think people here in Kentucky people here around the world need to know that.

That Owsley County can do so much more.

*I see the light for the very first time* *it tastes so good and shines so bright* *all over God’s creation* *I’m no atheist but I don’t lie* *I haven’t been to church in a really long time* *where it all just goes away* *music*