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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Michelle “Mimi” McDonald from Upper Marlboro, MD is requesting instructional technology through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Michelle “Mimi” McDonald is requesting

Giving Dancers Their Moment in the Light

Help me give my students the lighting equipment they need to bring their artistry to life beyond the main stage.

  • $1,315 goal

This project expired on September 10, 2025.

This project expired on September 10, 2025.

My Project

As a dedicated dance educator, I am committed to offering my students professional, real-world experiences that prepare them for the rigor and magic of live performance. However, our current setup lacks essential lighting tools in our black box and dance studio, which limits our ability to rehearse and showcase pieces when the main theater is unavailable. With limited access to the stage and a growing dance program, we are in urgent need of a portable, programmable stage lighting package. This addition would allow students to explore lighting design, create mood and atmosphere, and rehearse their choreography under conditions that closely simulate a full production.

With a portable lighting setup, our dance room and black box will transform into versatile performance labs.

Students will be able to experiment with shadows, spotlighting, and colored lighting—learning how light interacts with movement and storytelling. Our dance productions, student-choreographed showcases, and guest artist workshops will benefit tremendously from the added depth and professionalism that stage lighting brings. More importantly, students interested in the technical aspects of theater will gain hands-on experience in lighting design and cue programming, cultivating a deeper appreciation for all elements of performance.

A stage lighting package is more than just equipment—it's a doorway into artistic possibility. Whether preparing for our spring concert, rehearsing in the intimacy of our black box, or presenting informal performances for peers and families, the ability to control lighting will elevate every experience. With your generous support, our dancers will not only see themselves in a new light but learn to shape it—taking ownership of their craft and performances. Your donation directly supports the next generation of artists, designers, and visionaries. Help us shine a light on their brilliance.

Ms. Michelle “Mimi” McDonald Dr Henry A Wise Junior High School Grades 9-12

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Upper Marlboro, MD View local requests

More than half of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

999 students impacted

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Michelle “Mimi” McDonald is requesting.

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Rockville 192-Channel DMX Controller+Lighting Transmitter+Receiver+6 Par Lights • Rockville Pro Sound and Lighting $451.45 1 $451.45
Rockville RockOn-7 40w RGBW Moving Head Wash DMX Stage Club Light+Remote • Rockville Pro Sound and Lighting $190.00 2 $380.00
Rockville RCS52 Universal Lighting Cross Bar Stand Adjustable from 5 ft - 7.5 ft • Rockville Pro Sound and Lighting $49.95 2 $99.90
(8) Rockville LC70 Heavy Duty C Clamps Mount Light Up to 70 LBS, Adjustable Knob • Rockville Pro Sound and Lighting $79.92 1 $79.92

Materials cost

$1,011.27

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $60.68

3rd party payment processing fee

$15.17

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$1,117.12

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$197.14

Total project goal

$1,314.26

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Michelle “Mimi” McDonald and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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