An anonymous theater fan has donated $10,000 toward the Dolores School District to bring back the drama club for students.
"It is a very heartwarming donation that will launch the program and benefit a lot of students," said Re-4A Superintendent Scott Cooper. "We are so thankful."
The donor read an article in the Dolores Star about school board members reminiscing about the theater program, which ended in 2011 after budget cuts.
"The person said being in drama as a young student shape who they are and helped in becoming successful business owners," Cooper said. "This person stepped up, we had had six or seven teachers and volunteers express interest, so now we are able to get things rolling again. It is exciting."
The drama club will be announced to students soon, and a spring performance is planned, Cooper said. Practice will begin at the beginning of the 2014 semester, and 20 to 30 students are expected to join up.
The money will be used for a stipend to pay an acting teacher or coach, for a storage facility for props and costumes. One idea is to have props built in conjunction with the wood shop.
Keeping the new program sustainable will have to be worked out in the budget process next year, Cooper said, adding that he is confident the school can budget for a long-term program.
"We have a strong will, and now the financial support to get us started. There is a lot of buzz about it on campus with students and teachers," he said. "It will be entertaining for the community and gives students an extra-curricular activity beyond sports."
