Makawao Elementary Drama Club

There are practically no opportunities for Upcountry children to experience the performing arts here on Maui! Most programs cost hundreds of dollars. Which, despite scholarships and work/study, can still be more money/time  than many families can afford.  There used to be an outreach program i worked with, run by MAPA, that did exactly what I'd like to do in Makawao: offer kids the chance to explore the performing arts for free. But now there isn't the funding for them to be able to reach every school or community.  I am passionate about giving every child, who wants to try acting on stage, an opportunity to try it.  Because when I finally got the chance, it changed my life for the better.    Makawao Elementary's 2019-2020 Spring Semester Drama Club is a chance for all members of the student body, from Kindergarten to 5th grade, to have a taste of the theater experience. They will perform the short play I have written, "Return of The Menehune". I will be volunteering my time and efforts, but to give the students as thorough and genuine an experience as possible, I could use some help. The funds gathered will go to these components specifically: Sets - $1,500. We will try to borrow some things but will need to build most of it.  Costuming - $1,250 Performance Space - $3,000 (as the school doesn't have a large enough space) Supplies - $250   More kids signed up (50 students in total) than I had anticipated and I will need some reliable help. I am hoping to have enough funds by the end of February so that everything can be put together for the final performance. If by some chance we exceed our goal, the remaining funds will go towards the next school year's production. --------------------------------------------- More about me: Derek Nakagawa.  Co Founder of "Theatre Theatre Maui", Lahaina's youth theater for the past 25 years. Playwright of more than a dozen scripts for MAPA's "Educational theater in the schools tour" and other youth-oriented programs. Co-writer and star of "Lesser Ahi" and "Fresher Ahi". And 5 years as Santa for the Makawao Town Association. -------------------------------------------------- The students and I are very thankful for any amount you are able to provide to the club, as anything and everything helps!