Harrison Central Theatre Troupe fundraising for Broadway trip during spring break

Next year, 19 students from Harrison Central’s Theatre Troupe #1690 will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York City to experience Broadway. The four-day, three-night trip will take place during spring break, and students and staff are working hard to raise funds so every student can attend.

President of the Harrison Central Theatre Parent Boosters Cayla Davis said the cost for each student will be $2,500 for the trip. “Our students have actively participated in Harrison County Dancing with the Stars for the past two years,” Davis said. “We have held a Fall Mat painting event in September. We have also sold T-shirts. Students are currently selling coupon books and raffle tickets for our upcoming show. On Nov. 16, we have a holiday paint your own mat fundraiser. All of these can be seen on our Harrison Central Theatre Facebook page.”

The troupe just held a “Hair-y Pottery” event for kids and families Oct. 18. The event showcased parts of the upcoming show “Puffs” and gave kids an interactive experience through pottery, a petting zoo, and a “potions” class.

The trip is being planned through Educational Trip Adventures and includes tours of Central Park and Midtown Manhattan, visits to the 9/11 Memorial and Rockefeller Center, and two Broadway shows. It also includes admission to the Believe NYC Program where students will see a show, participate in workshops, and meet the artist. They’ll visit two art museums and participate in RiseNY, a combination of museum, theme park, and educational elements for an interactive experience.

“For many of our students this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Many of our students have never flown before, been to a large city, or experienced the numerous cultures and opportunities available on this trip,” Davis said. “This will leave a lasting impact on them.”

Davis said that she would love to see this become a regular thing at Harrison Central. “We are hoping to make this trip available every three years so that students will have the opportunity to attend at least one time during their high school career.”

Students will utilize the skills they learn in the workshops to further their craft and expand their skill sets in their own acting careers.

The troupe is about $10,000 away from being fully funded. Davis encourages community members to help them by attending events or donating directly by sending a check to the school directed to Harrison Central Theatre Parents Club or via Venmo @theatreparentboosters.

The newest production will be put on by the troupe Nov. 6-9 at the Harrison Central Performing Arts Center. “Puffs” is a parody of Harry Potter that takes you through the critically acclaimed book series from the perspective of the oft-forgotten house Hufflepuff.