Help me give my students power tools to design and build sets for our plays and musicals.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Dunkelberg's classroom raised $963
This project is fully funded
My Students
My students are eager lovers of theatre! They come to class every day with energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity. We are in a rural area, with 60% of students on free and reduced lunch. For my students, drama offers a safe place where they can truly be themselves and discover a sense of confidence they didn't know they had. I've watched many of my students forge life-long bonds in the drama classroom.
Most of all, my students are empathetic and creative leaders.
They encourage and support each other. They help create a welcoming space for anyone and everyone. I see tiny acts of kindness and empathy every day, be it loaning a student a couple of dollars for the vending machine, making a point to start a conversation with a new student, or simply supporting each other with kind words or a hug on tough days.
The majority of my students are hands-on and visual learners who thrive with games, activities, and practical experiences. They are particularly excited by lighting design and set construction. They're also leaders and are committed to taking ownership of the performing arts program here at our school. Their initiative wows me every single day.
My Project
Because we currently lack many of the tools needed to build sets, our theater program relies almost entirely on outside help and using tools or materials borrowed from other departments or community members. This means that students don't get as many hands-on opportunities to design and build.
New tools like a drill and jigsaw will give our students the opportunity to directly apply what they learn in the classroom, hands-on.
After two years of virtual learning and virtual productions, the need for hands-on, real-world opportunities is more important than ever. My students are eager and capable and putting their skills and creativity to work by building sets will allow our program to do more ambitious shows and teach students practical skills that will serve them no matter what they choose to do beyond high school.
By taking ownership of set design and construction, students learn leadership, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and everyday skills like measuring, tool use, and crafts skills. Using the "tools of the trade" and doing it together in a collaborative space is invaluable, and ultimately benefits not just our students, but the community at large by providing access to the arts.
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
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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 Mr. Dunkelberg and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.