Community theatre supports Douglas High School drama

The Carson Valley Community Theatre donated $1,500 to the Douglas High School Drama Department May 21.

“We are pleased to be able to give this donation to the high school as a way to support not only their productions, but their theatre program in general,” said Carson Valley Community Theatre member Diana Jones.

The donation was from the proceeds of “The Play That Goes Wrong,” which was a collaboration production with the high school in March.

The performance was a play within a play where a thespian group is getting ready to perform “Murder at Haversham Manor,” when everything that could go wrong in the show does; from an unconscious leading lady and a corpse that can’t play dead, to missing props and actors who trip over everything including their lines.

“We heard a lot of great comments, not only about the show, but the quality of the high school performers,” said Jones.

For the past three years, as part of the theatre’s mission to support the arts in Douglas County, the Carson Valley Community Theatre and the high school has put on a joint production, usually one with both adults and students, not only for diverse cast, but to provide experience to the young actors and expand their understanding of theatre.

“Working with high school students is always fun; the energy, creativity and their desire to learn is inspiring and exciting for all of us.”

Douglas High School Drama teacher Renee Kaldor thanked the theatre for the opportunity and recourses they have provided her and her students.

“The students enjoy the experience of working on a real production and being around professional actors,” she said.

Kaldor said the donation can help fund future activities for the Drama Department including sets and costumes for future productions, as well as the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

“The theatre has been kind to us, and we are always grateful for their support,” she said.