My name is Heather Foister, and I direct SHS Musical Productions at Somerset High School in Somerset, KY. Over time, it has been such a joy to see our students graduate and succeed in their endeavors. In recent years, I’ve discovered an even greater joy: watching former students return and invest in the program they once shined in.
In 2016, I was still a “green” musical director with only a few shows under my belt when I took on the insurmountable task that is directing The Wizard of Oz. This show includes the two things you shouldn’t really put on stage: live animals and young children. Well, we decided to do both in one show! We had a real dog for Toto and children ranging in age from 4-10 as Munchkins. Amongst our Munchkinland citizens was Madison Ruble. This would be her first of many appearances on our stage by continuing as a member of the “kiddo cast” and throughout her high school career. She has been in more musical productions than any cast member in our program and as luck would have it for us, that tradition continues even now.
After earning her degree, Madison returned to Somerset—and back to our stage. This time, she found herself backstage not as an actress, but as an Associate Director. Productions such as High School Musical and Frozen were assisted in preparedness by one of our very own. This role is second in command to the director and very demanding in which Madison excelled with grace and readiness.
I was incredibly proud to add Madison to our staff and grateful for all she is doing to help our program.
*Bonus Fact: Madison ended up on stage this year in Disney’s Frozen! She will be tough to spot but when our film is released, check it out to see if you can find her!
Heather Foister
Somerset High School
Somerset Independent Schools
