I teach at a school in which the student population begs for something to do after school to keep them busy and off the streets. Unfortunately, my school is small and budgets are non-existent for programs that do not directly influence rising test scores.
Even though there isn't a budget for a drama program, I have donated my time and energy into the massive amount of talent my students showcase when given a challenge with high expectations.
My students have donated their lyrics, their playwriting skills, their artistic talents, their acting and directing skills, their music production skills, and their time and energy in so that we can put on our schools second spring production, a coming-of-age vampire hip-hopera that was written by one of my students. When we give our students an inch, they take a mile, in both negative connotations, but more importantly, in positive connotations as well. They truly are amazing and inspiring, and their quest for self-expression through hip-hop and stage presence makes my job well, not easier, but more awe-inspiring. They expect to put on the best production possible, even though they have no focus of comparison, as many of them have never seen a full-length play. That's why I love them.
My Project
We're donating our time, talent, and energies to build up a drama program that will inspire kids to not only stay out of trouble, but to open doors for their futures. I cannot say enough how much unfostered talent they have. Our new drama program is asking for a headless microphone set in so that our main actor and rapper will be heard in the crowd. Most of the rest of the resources needed to put on a play are more organic - we can build sets out of scrap metal and design costumes from clothes we already own. But the electronics that go into making a production, well, we will literally NEVER be able to afford without the help of generous donors like you. One microphone headless set will raise our abilities to have us heard in the crowd twenty fold, and will raise our production quality to heights unseen. It is such an expensive, yet imperative piece of equipment, I know without your help we will never get one.
Being a part of this play raises my students' levels of confidence, gives them experience with the arts, with production, and, most importantly, to see something come to fruition.
They have written the lines, written the lyrics, arranged the music, and have developed the rap beats. Now we just need someone to let us be heard. Thank you.
Nearly all 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
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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. Rushek and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.