Central High School Theater Program Achieves International Recognition
January 16, 2006
Champaign - Young people from Central High's drama program triumphed in early January at the Illinois State Theater Festival in Normal, where their production of The Laramie Project played to standing-room-only audiences and won standing ovations. In August, they will travel to Scotland, to have the honor of performing the play - an eloquent work of stagecraft and journalism, about hate crime and community values - at the internationally acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The group has been engaged in intensive fundraising so that all members of the cast and crew can participate in the experience, which will bring international recognition to Central High and Champaign-Urbana.
photo by Nick Mann
So far, the group reports, $10,000 in funds has been raised, but, with a cost of around $5,000 per student, much more is needed, particularly matching donations and full or partial sponsorship of individual students. Contributions in any amount are welcome and all are, of course, tax-deductible. Donors who give $50 or more will be recognized on the play program and in an ad in The News-Gazette. The names of those who contribute $250 or more will be engraved on a plaque to be permanently displayed in Central's Decker Theater. Checks may be made out to Champaign Central High School Drama, and sent to Champaign Central High School, 610 West University Ave., Champaign IL 61820. For more information, e-mail Theater Program Director LaDonna Wilson at wilsonla@champaignschools.org.