North Penn Thespians Continue Long Tradition Of Acting For Charity

LANSDALE, PA – Seventeen years ago, North Penn High School (NPHS) thespian Ryan Williams had an idea to complete his graduation project: Have a fundraiser for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA), an organization he had been introduced to at Broadway productions as they raised money and awareness for people and their families suffering the devastating effects of the AIDS epidemic.

Williams approached Cynthia L. Louden, then NPHS Theatre teacher and thespian director, about his idea. Encouraged to produce a variety/talent show with his theatre and thespian friends, Williams decided to take the idea one step farther and called the New York central office of BC/EFA. Joe Norton, a staff member, answered the phone.

And so began the collaboration between high school thespians across the United States and BC/EFA.

Williams organized the 1st BC/EFA Gala, as it was called, in 1999. Norton sent some Broadway memorabilia to auction as BC/EFA does at many of their fundraisers. Norton also traveled to Lansdale to support the first high school event and to accept the donation raised on behalf of BC/EFA.

But the collaboration didn’t stop there. William, Ms. Louden, and NPHS Thespian Troupe #5464 president, Mark Weinstein, took the fundraising idea to the Pennsylvania State Thespian Annual Conference and raised some more money with a Silent Auction while also encouraging other troupes to organize their own school fundraisers. Weinstein was then elected as an International Student Officer at the International Thespian Festival and during his year in office shared the BC/EFA fundraising idea with thespians from across the nation. As the word spread, Norton became more involved with educational outreach as he and others recognized not only the fundraising potential with high school thespian troupes, but more importantly, the opportunity to educate young people to stop the spread of the HIV virus.

In June of 2012, thespians attending the International Thespian Festival at the University of Lincoln-Nebraska cheered as Norton announced that thespians had just passed the $1 million dollars mark for monies raised. That total is still growing as the fundraising continues, paired with educational outreach.

It all began in North Penn High School’s auditorium where on February 19 the North Penn High School Thespian Troupe 5464 will host the 17th Annual BC/EFA Gala, now entitled The BC/EFA Knight of the Arts Gala.

Keeping with the original Gala format, students from North Penn High School will entertain the audience with Broadway songs, dances, and monologues while the Officers and Cabinet Members of the high school troupe will act as emcees for the evening.

The popular Silent Auction of signed Broadway memorabilia from some of the hottest Broadway shows will be in the lobby from 7:00 through Intermission. A Flea Market will offer other Broadway and theatre “stuff” to the best offer. All proceeds from these sales and from selling red ribbons and wristbands will be donated directly to BC/EFA.

There is more as the evening has expanded over the years. “Coffee House” performances will be presented in the auditorium lobby before the show and during intermission.

Art students from the high school will be demonstrating and displaying their work in the Glass Concourse adjacent to the high school’s main entrance. Performances have also been expanded beyond Broadway as various cultural and other clubs will be performing. All three North Penn middle schools will be presenting production numbers from their upcoming spring musicals includingOne Great Thing (Pennbrook), Shrek the Musical (Penndale) and Zombie Prom (Pennfield). A group of North Penn High School teachers are preparing a presentation and, well, there are a few other surprises including a sneak peak of NPHS Theatre’s upcoming spring musical.

Producers for the evening, Omkar Katta and Abriel Smith (seniors), have been planning the event since September including coordinating the annual Silent Auction at the Pennsylvania State Thespian Conference at which over $2500.00 was raised. Their mission is to add to the amount with The BC/ERA Knight of the Arts to reach their goal of $5000.00. To help achieve the goal, thespian troupe members will also be selling red ribbons and wristbands throughout NPHS the week of The Knight of the Arts.

“It’s always a delight each year to watch the students organize and present The BC/EFA Knight of the Arts,” says current NPHS Theatre teacher and Thespian Troupe director, Andrea Lee Roney. “Besides their joy at being able to raise money for BC/EFA, to which they are all strongly committed, the students build leadership, communication, time management, and collaboration skills that are immeasurable.”

While the NPHS Theatre adult staff oversees the high school productions, The Knight of the Arts is student produced and directed.

“Abriel and Omkar are in charge, helped tremendously by their fellow thespians,” explains Mrs. Roney. “Producing a big event with all the details and challenges of organizing over 200 artists is not a lesson you can teach or learn in the classroom,” she explained. “It’s the best kind of hands-on learning with a measurable and celebratory goal of the money donated to BC/EFA.”

The community is invited to experience the joy and celebration of the arts and the talents of North Penn High School students and guests atThe BC/EFA Knight of the Arts on February 19 with lobby performances and art demonstrations beginning at 7:00 pm and the auditorium performances beginning at 7:30 pm. No tickets are necessary. A suggested donation of $5 will go directly to BC/EFA.

For more information about NPHS Theatre, please visit www.npenn.org/NorthPennTheatre. For Information about Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS can be found at www.broadwaycares.org.