Sandburg Actors Set Sights on Scotland (Photos)

A group of talented students are gearing up for a unique trip to Scotland this summer.

The high school was selected by the American High School Theater Festival to perform a play at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe Theater Festival held annually in Scotland’s capital of Edinburgh. The students will have the opportunity for a two-week immersion program in the arts, performing alongside high school students from the United States and other European and Asian countries.

“It’s really quite an honor to receive an invitation to the Festival,” said Geoff Epperson, Theater Director at Sandburg.

The admission process was extensive. To be considered for the Fringe Festival, schools had to be nominated by the theater director of a past Fringe Festival participating high school, then submit an application with video of previous performances, as well as photos of set designs.

“The whole point of the Fringe Festival is for people around the world to see what everyone else is doing theatrically,” said Epperson. “The Festival officials are really looking for programs that push the boundaries in terms of students’ skills and creativity.”

Over 3,500 high schools were invited to apply. Carl Sandburg High School was one of only 50 schools accepted to participate in the 2012 Fringe Festival. The trip is open to any Sandburg student with a theater or speech background.

"Sandburg students are not only getting a once-in-a-lifetime chance (at an) educational theater experience, but they will do so as ambassadors of Sandburg High School, as well also for the United States," said Sharon Burnison, whose daughter Rachel is planning to make the trip.

In order to offset travel expenses, the theater group has been busy with different fundraising programs, such as selling "Sandburg Plays Scotland" bracelets to restaurant nights.

This week they will stage a Holiday Spectacular–a first for Sandburg–featuring  two holiday classics, “It’s a Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” at the Sandburg Performing Arts Center. Performances begin Thursday through Saturday. Tickets are $6, or $5 each for groups of 10, and are available at the PAC Ticket Office. All proceeds will go directly to the Sandburg Plays Scotland travel fund.

Want to help Sandburg theater students ‘Play Scotland’? Donations can be made via their website.