Palmer Ridge High School theater students found a creative way to raise funds while providing a way for families to save some money ahead of Homecoming.
The PRHS Drama Club, otherwise known as the Bear Necessity Theatre Company, has organized a dress rental fundraiser that provides students with the opportunity to rent, buy, or trade a homecoming dress at a cost much lower than typical formal attire. All of the money raised will go directly back to PRHS theater students.
The fundraiser was organized by Senior co-presidents, Lucy Cavin and Abigail Kane. It’s something new they're trying out this year as an additional revenue stream for their club.
“It’s a great opportunity for the drama club to earn some money outside of ticket sales from shows,” Lucy said. “We’re hoping to help raise money to send drama students on a special field trip to a theater conference in Denver, the International Thespian Conference. It has all of these different classes taught by professional thespians. Students also get to perform and compete with students from all over Colorado. They can also audition for scholarships,” she added.
“I’m really trying to push fundraisers this year because I want to publicize the drama club more,” Abigail said. “Here at Palmer Ridge we’re really sports-oriented, which I think is awesome because it forms a huge community, but so does the arts. I really want to bring more attention to what we’re doing. Not just to benefit us, but to also let people know that you shouldn’t be scared to join theater. It’s a really amazing place that forms an incredible community,” she added.
Students and families looking for a discounted dress have a few options. Dresses can be purchased for $20, with a $10 refund if the dress is returned. Dresses can also be rented, and you can even make a trade with the drama club.
“A lot of homecoming dresses are like a wear it once thing, so instead of just letting it sit in your closet you can donate it to either exchange it for a different dress or just straight up donate it,” Lucy said.
Many of the dresses were worn in Bear Necessity Theatre Company productions, but many were also donated by students.
Dress sales will continue at lunch time through the week and then from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.. on Saturday, Sept. 19 in the upper commons at Palmer Ridge.
Besides the current fundraiser, Lucy and Abigail would like to invite the community to upcoming Bear Necessity Theatre Company performances. The company’s fall production will be “Seussical the Musical,” with shows happening on Nov. 12, 13, and 14.
You can find everything you need to know about the Bear Necessity Theatre Company on the PRHS Drama Club webpage.