Ragtime to State

The Florida State Thespians recently bestowed a tremendous honor on the JP Taravella Drama Department when its student presentation of Ragtime was chosen as one of five full length musicals to be presented mainstage at its Festival 2015 in Tampa this March. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to not only share quality theatre with other Thespians but, to work in a professional environment with professional technicians.   This production was a labor of love for all 104 involved.  Several times this week I heard how JPT Theatre changed a student's life. The skills learned in this program go far beyond theatre curriculum. These students have learned teamwork, responsibility, commitment and for many it has given their life direction. 
 
Taking a show on the road is not easy.   This honor does not come with financial support. Students must pay  $500 each to fund transportation, accommodations and registration fees.  In addition, it will cost $28,000.00 to remount the show and transport the production to Tampa.    We are proud to say we have raised $5,000 to help students in financial need attend the festival.   In addition, we raised $ 20,000 with yard sales, bingo nights, mystery dinner theatres, restaurant give backs, letter writing campaigns and two performances this weekend.  Unfortunately we are  still $8,000 short.     Please help these students reach their goal.  We leave March 24th and our performance is March 26th.