In October, E. C. Glass High School took home the state’s highest theatre award at the Virginia Theatre Association (VTA) conference for the first time in 17 years, earning the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC).
A spot in the SETC, reserved for the two best schools in each of the ten competing states, is one of the highest honors a student theatre program can receive. In addition to the chance to showcase their skills at the regional level, the SETC offers opportunities to compete for arts scholarships and meet representatives from top colleges and professional theaters.
The only obstacle? Finding the funds to get there. Registration fees, travel, and lodging costs can be prohibitive for schools that receive this opportunity. To make this trip possible for the entire cast and crew, E. C. Glass Theatre must raise $24,000.
The moment E. C. Glass theatre students learned they’d won the VTA competition.
See the Award-Winning Performance
But they won’t have to finance the trip alone. On Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m., E. C. Glass students will present their award-winning version of “Failure: A Love Story” at the historic Academy Center of the Arts theatre (600 Main Street, Lynchburg, VA). This one-time-only performance of their competition piece will help raise money for their trip to the SETC in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this March.
You won’t want to miss this magical dramatic comedy exploring themes of love, loss, and time, directed by E. C. Glass Theatre Director Allison Daugherty. Guests can RSVP online and purchase a pay-what-you-can ticket at the door for a suggested donation of $20 or more.
“This play is so special, and I continue to be amazed by the cast and crew. It's fun, surprising, sad, and witty. It's about family, time, and the enduring power of love. We won our award in October, so coming back to it after two months has been amazing,” Daugherty said. “We hope our Lynchburg community will show up to show their pride and support, but mostly we just really want them to experience this play.”
Lynchburg Rallies Around LCS Theatre
The theatre program has been fundraising for their trip to the SETC ever since they won the VTA conference this fall. So far, they’ve raised around $20,00.
Support from the Academy is especially meaningful. The historic Academy theatre is perhaps Lynchburg’s most iconic venue. The opportunity for Glass Theatre students to perform on a stage regularly graced by national touring performers and professional theatre companies is remarkable, and it presents opportunities for even more community members to rally around the program.
"As a Glass Theatre alum, I am so excited to support E. C. Glass Theatre as we cheer them on at the SETC. As we gather in the theatre to support these students, we are proud to facilitate fostering community connection and expanding access to the arts,” said Michelline Hall, the Academy’s Chief Programming Officer. “We wish these talented students the very best as they represent our community on a regional and national stage."
Don’t pass up this opportunity to support our theatre students and see the critically acclaimed show for yourself on Sunday, Feb. 8. Learn more here.