Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 11, 1993 TAG: 9311110500
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-12 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER|
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
The play consists of a series of short scenes about adolescents, drawn from four different scripts as well as some original work by director Rhonda Welsh and some of the cast members.
Welsh said the donation toward the shelter will not be much ``unless we fill the theater. We'll only present one show.``
The Players will suggest that viewers donate another $1 to the shelter, she said.
``The students feel strongly that, since the show happens to be about adolescents, it is only sensible to use the show to promote a cause that we all care about,'' Welsh said. ``These students are serious about this. What began as a slightly less important studio show has become more important.''
A group of the student actors performed a segment of the show Oct. 26 in the Cougar Den at the school at a breakfast meeting set to discuss plans for the shelter.
Representatives of the school system and a number of social service agencies serving the county had been meeting quietly since January about creating a temporary emergency shelter for troubled youngsters in the county. They made their idea public at the Oct. 26 gathering, with the students underlining reasons for the need with an intense performance depicting some of the problems and conflicts between adults and young people.
The title, ``Midway,'' reflect s the play's set, made to resemble a carnival or circus.
Also, adolescence is the midpoint between childhood and adulthood.
The three rings on stage are actually platforms created by pulling the drama class stage apart.
``We also snitched our classroom lighting to add to the temporary illusion of a circus,'' Welsh said. Savings on the set will allow the group to donate more toward the shelter.
Studio production work is part of acting class each semester. ``We just decided to use what we had already planned to help a good cause,'' Welsh said.
The costumes worn by each actor consist of blue jeans - ``adolescent uniforms,'' Welsh said - and red T-shirts with the word ``Midway'' printed on the backs. The students bought the shirts themselves to save money.
``Midway'' will be performed on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $1.
by CNB