The curtains in the CHS/CMS PAC have supported many a production over the years. (Stefanie Ask photos)
As the only performing arts space in town, the Coupeville Middle School/High School PAC is ground zero for creative expression.
“On our stage throughout the course of a year, you can watch secondary and elementary theater productions, choir and glee performances, local community concerts, awards presentations, 8th grade passages ceremonies, 5th grade moving on ceremonies, Veterans’ Day assemblies, Homecoming rallies, and so much more,” said CHS drama teacher and play director Stefanie Ask.
“The Performing Arts Center stage is the hub of how we come together as a school and community to celebrate achievements, attend performances, and collaboratively create art.”
But that space is in serious need of an upgrade, specifically where it concerns the stage curtains, which have become battered over decades of use.
“Every student that steps on the PAC stage deserves to feel pride in themselves and the environment we cultivate for them,” Ask said.
“The PAC has recently been improved by replacing the seats for our audiences, but if you’ve been to a performance recently, you’ll inevitably have noticed a problem that distracts from the magic on the stage.
“Our curtains, or “stage blacks,” are antiques at this point and are essentially disintegrating before our eyes.”
That creates numerous issues for the theater troupe, which is currently gearing up to deliver performances of “Too Many Detectives in the Murder Mansion” May 7-9.
“When I teach students to use the space for rehearsal or performance, they all learn the first rule above all else: “Do NOT touch the curtains!” Ask said. “The fabric simply can’t handle it.
“Over the past 40 years, tiny holes or snags have occurred, and as the years have passed, the ancient fiber of the fabric has just broken down to the point that the holes are growing and growing.
“In fact, when performers have to cross behind the back curtain to get to the other side of the stage for an entrance, you can see them walking by through the unintentional little portholes that have been created.
“The curtains are in tatters, and it matters!”
Cost for purchase and installation of new curtains is $33,000, and the Coupeville Schools Foundation is leading a fundraiser drive to cover the expense.
With help from the Foundation, as well as the Coupeville Lions Club and Coupeville Arts Festival, almost half of the money has been raised, but “it takes a community!” as Karen Koschak, Vice President of the Foundation, said.
If you’re interested in learning more, or want to make a donation, pop over to:
https://givebutter.com/PAC_Curtains
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