Liberty High Drama Club seeks support for 1st big musical

This spring, the Liberty High School drama department, also known as Liberty Spotlight Productions, will produce its first large-scale spring musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”

This will be a collaborative effort between the theater, choir, band and dance programs to help build the performing arts program. The goal of the department is to increase student involvement in all areas of the performing arts and add to the culture of the community by producing high-quality plays and musicals that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Musicals provide an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience performing on stage, in the orchestra pit or helping with technical duties such as microphone and speaker set-up, costumes, lighting and set designs.

Because of the state of the economy, tax credit funds previously used to subsidize the drama program have run dry and fund-raising efforts have not yielded enough funds to support a full-fledged musical production for the spring semester. Therefore, Liberty Spotlight Productions is seeking support from the surrounding communities of Peoria and Surprise.

Tax credit donations from individuals and families, as well as business donations, will help the fund-raising goal of $2,500 by March 1. Tax credit donations may be made through the PUSD Web site, https://www.peoriaud.k12.az.us, or directly to the Liberty High School bookstore (call 623-773-6535). Individuals may donate up to $200 or $400 for a couple filing jointly, and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit off their state income tax return. Businesses willing to donate to the production will receive free advertising in the program, as well as possible mention on the production posters and fliers.

Donations must be made by Dec. 31 to qualify for the 2009 tax year, but are welcome at any time. Performances for “Cinderella” are 7 p.m. April 8, 9, 10, 16, and 17. Tickets are $7 general admission or $10 for reserved seating.
Liberty High School opened its doors in 2006 and will celebrate its first graduating class in the spring. Located at 97th Avenue and Deer Valley Road, it is in the northwest corner of the Peoria Unified School District, serving the Lake Pleasant and Vistancia communities.

The drama club’s first play was produced solely through tax credit money provided by parents and community members.

For information, contact Laura Vines, theater director at Liberty High School, 623-773-6525 or 623-363-1975.