And it was one of the greatest things I’ve ever been a part of. I often write about the power technology has to transform learning, but I’ve never seen anything as powerful as the collaborative efforts of the students in our program, whose individual talents and personalities come together year after year to build something unforgettable. In my time with the program, we put on five high school musicals, six plays, middle school performances, outreach programs, and so much more. I saw students who struggled in academic classes soar on stage and grow into talented, passionate, and exceptional young men and women regularly. If we want to education the whole child, make change, and help build independent and passionate learners, we need to value the cultural arts.

I left the program last year, instead committing my time to my doctoral work. It was bittersweet because theatre really defined my career and identity in Ossining for so long, but I’m so incredibly proud of our work and the work that is going on right now with the program and students.

And that’s why I’m asking for your help.

Ossining Drama was selected from over 3,000 schools to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as part of the American High School Theatre Festival in August 2016. This once in a lifetime opportunity doesn’t come cheap, sadly. To help fundraise for this trip, the students have put together an online auction, raffling dozens of great prizes, and are also accepting tax deductible donations.

Welcome to the 12 Days of Fringe!