Students of the SJHHS’s Theatre Arts program organized a 24-hour fundraiser, where they organized, casted, designed a set,and performed the musical Addams Family. The program raised $13,000 to fund the Theatre Arts Student program. The students began preparation on Friday (March 7) and Saturday (March 8) for the play; then on Sunday, they rehearsed and performed from 11 AM to 11 PM.
This was the first time the program had tackled such a complex fundraiser and it was completely student run. As co directors,Vanessa Roselli (12) and Ava Schumacher (11) led the charge.
“It’s a pre-written show, so I’m blocking the actors, which is telling them where to go on stage, helping them memorize their lines, and helping them with acting choices,” said Roselli.
“I’m good at teaching people how to sing and dance. I’m choreographing all the dances that they’re gonna be in and helping everyone learn their songs,” said Schumacher.
Theater students, who have been working with Roselli and Schumacher throughout their high school career, witnessed the efforts of their due diligence.
“It was awesome.It went really well. It was professional, the choreography and stage direction was great. I was really impressed they didn’t need any adults,” said Chase Wallburger (12).
The Stallion Theatre Company raised their funds by selling $5 tickets, the concession stand, and “Minute to Give It.” Over a hundred tickets were sold with little to no publicity.
“We did this thing called, ‘Minute to Give It,’ where you pass around baskets for a minute while playing music and people just throw wads of cash in there,” said Roselli.
The event not only proved to be an effective fundraiser, but it was a fun challenge for the performers. One of the most rewarding aspects of the performance was the opening number.
“My favorite dance number was definitely the opening number with um when you’re an Addams. Oh, my gosh, I think that was the most effort I’ve ever put into a dance in 24 hours,” said Sydney Holland (12).
“I was in the opening number when you’re an Addams. I thought that was really fun because that was like the number we spent the most time on as a group and got to dance the most and do a lot of choreography,” said Ali Arambarri (11).
The casting process for a 24 hour musical is unlike any other; Roselli and Schumacher picked from a list of people participating and casted them according to musical and acting ability rather than the usual long audition process.
They plan to perform another 24 hour musical next year. To see more of the SJHHS’s Theatre Arts program check them out on their socials.
Instagram: @sjhhstheatre
