A note from the board: 2022 Reflection and Gratitude

Dear LPI Community,

Another year has flown by- nearly as fast as show weekend does every summer. Reflecting on the year, it’s baffling to think of the progress we continue to make together as we grow and push LPI forward, welcoming so many new members left and right, united under a passion to inspire children and adults through an inclusive space to dream, explore, think, and connect through theater.

We spent the early part of the year in preparations for our 26th summer production, and celebrating our 2022 scholarship recipients,  Maria Jensen (Random Lake High School) and  Bryndyn Schroeder (Ozaukee High School).  Both recipients have been wonderful assets to LPI throughout the years both on and off stage.  In spring we were able to complete installation of the hearing loop addition to the RLSD auditorium, an initiative led by long-time  board member Bob Deyo in memory of his late wife, Suellen. The telecoil system brings audio access to the hearing impaired listening to theatrical performances and events in the RLSD auditorium. Equally, this was also only possible through our continued partnership and collaboration with the Random Lake School District.

The summer was a blast- and we sincerely thank you for supporting our production of Annie Get Your Gun by participating, volunteering, or watching the show. Sara Stout once again brought the stage to life telling the story of Annie Oakley. I have to say the BEST part of the summer was making LPI history - and selecting and securing our next production nearly a whole year in advance. This was a first for LPI and we were so excited to be able to announce Bye Bye Birdie as our Summer 2023 production at our performances. The Board was unanimously eager to select the show early to begin preparations and pave the way to come out of the gates ready and reeling for summer 2023.

We welcomed new members to the Board of Directors in October at our annual meeting, Rachel Smith, Sarah Jensen, and Heather Hernandez. These three have jumped right in and they fill the big shoes of Gary Feider, Joe Horstmeier and Cherrie Deavers who we thank for their gracious leadership and continued support and service to LPI. While LPI is most known for our summer production, it’s a year-round organization that continues to evolve and grow- and it couldn’t be done without the commitment of these board members and their time and passion for fostering meaningful development experiences for our community through year-round efforts behind the scenes. Next year, we encourage you to consider attending or inquiring about joining the Board if you see your interest and commitment to LPI growing.

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Most recently, we brought our 7th Living Nativity production back to Jacoby Park in Random Lake as part of the annual Night of Lights - a cherished community tradition. This year, we were thrilled to have Erin Greve at the helm of our production, and for the many new families she brought to join our cast and come to know LPI in a very special way. I can’t extend a big enough thanks to Erin and the cast for their enthusiasm to continue to share this important story of the season with our community.

As we prepare for all the exciting growth that 2023 has waiting for, we remain busy. We are working with Ben Johnson, Director of next year’s show, to finalize the production staff for summer 2023. The Board is working hard to continue full steam ahead for a seamless and efficient summer production, working towards improvements to our processes and infrastructure,  leaving so much to look forward to when we can welcome you all- our talented cast, volunteers, and community back to the auditorium to join for another great production.

As we head into 2023, I want to share that we are committed to making next summer better than ever. We have the show. We have the people, and together we can do miraculous things - this is my invitation to you to be part of the magic. Not just during the summer, but year-round. Please reach out to share your thoughts, ideas, input, or time as we look ahead to another amazing summer in Random Lake.

And we wish you a blessed holiday season and can’t wait to see you next summer - either on or off stage.

On behalf of your LPI family,

Dan Klingelhoets
Board President
Lakeshore Productions, Inc.