For the first time the Mount Elizabeth Secondary drama club has earned a spot at the Provincials in Vancouver.
But in order to take advantage of what Linda Horianopoulos describes as “an incredible opportunity”, they are going to need the help of Kitimatians.
Horianopoulos, a grade 12 student, has therefore sent out a letter to businesses around town seeking support and would also be grateful for any helping hand members of the community might feel able to give.
Horianopoulos wrote the script for a play called Warrior Variation which she went on to direct and stage manage.
“The Drama club brought this play, along with its cast and crew of eight, to the Northwest Drama Zones in Prince Rupert,” she explained.
There they were chosen as the Best Reserve Production, which in the past had meant that if the winning production was unable to attend the provincials, MESS would go in their place.
However, this time and for the first time the provincial organization opened up three performance slots to the Reserve Productions.
“We have since been accepted to perform at Sears-British Columbia Drama Festival 2011 in New Westminster from May 5-8,” Horianopoulos said.
“This is an incredible opportunity for us to attend workshops, performances and to compete; an opportunity that has never been available to our Drama Club before,” she emphasized.
“Attending provincials would not only enhance the abilities of those who are going, but it would also pave the way for the future success of our club.”
Unfortunately, she pointed out, as students the cost of attending was more than they can afford.
Not that the students are expecting the community to do it all. She said they had already started fund raising by hosting an in-town performance of Warrior Variation as well as running the concession for other performances at the MET.
But with the total cost of the trip estimated at $13,000, they have quite a mountain to climb.
“We understand that it may not be economically feasible for every organization to donate, but we ask you to look at what may be possible for your organization at this time,” Horianopoulos said in her letter.
And added, “Even small donations will make a huge difference in our ability to attend.”
If you or your organization want to help the students attain their goal, a cheque can be made payable to the MESS Drama Club and either dropped off at the high school or mailed to 1491 Kingfisher Avenue, Kitimat, BC V8C 1E9.