Supporters of the Performing Arts ECHS Meeting

El Cerrito High Revitalizing Drama Program!

With volunteer support, El Cerrito High School is reviving its legendary Drama program.  Already the community has pitched in- when props and costumes didn’t survive the move from the old theatre to the new building, El Cerrito residents generously donated furniture, tools, clothing to help rebuild our program. Local seamstress Martha Egan has donated a sewing machine for our costume shop.  Carpenter and contractor Jim Stuart donated plywood, lumber and hardware to help volunteers build rehearsal cubes, the building blocks of a simple theatre program.    The Tile Shop provided key use of tools and expertise.  The folks at Contra Costa Civic Theatre have extended new teacher Jennifer Dreyfus a warm welcome. 

This year, Ms. Dreyfus is planning a showcase for her students doing scenes, monologues as well as original commercials- for each semester of drama students.  The first showcase is scheduled for early December 2011.  Next school year, she hopes to stage a play just after Thanksgiving, and collaborate with band director Keith Johnson and his competition- winning music ensemble to put on a musical in March 2013. 

The Supporters of the Performing Arts, a sponsored group committee of the 501c3 Student Activity Fund is not just after cash donations.  SPA is also looking for community members interested in volunteering at fundraisers, events on an ongoing basis.  Have an idea for a creative fundraiser?  Meetings are tentatively scheduled for the first Tuesday of the month (or November 1)   at 8 pm at the Kensington Circus Pub.  If turnout is stupendous, we will relocate future meetings to an appropriate location.  Don’t have time but want to make a tax-deductible donation?  Checks can be made payable to ECSAF SPA, and mailed to PO Box 2376, El Cerrito CA 94530. Don’t have time to attend but want to know how to help?   Email karenshebek@sbcglobal.net or call 510-525-1539, 9-6 only.