Talented Theater Students Need Help To Make It International Competition

CUTLER BAY (CBS4) – A group of truly gifted South Florida drama students has been earned a spot in at the International Thespian Theatre Festival later this year but not be able to perform because of a lack of funds to get them there. They have to raise thousands of dollars for the trip and time is running out.

Every time the Southridge Senior High Drama Club has been put to the test they've emerged victorious. Their performance of "The Serpent" received a Superior rating and the Critics Choice Award at the district competition. From there they went to the state finals.

"You perform against, I think it was about, 52 to 54 different 'One Act' plays and we were the only ones chosen," said budding thespian Nayelys Hernandez, "So it's very hard, you're competing against all these great schools, it's the best of the best."

For the first time in the history of the school their drama club, the Spartan Players Troupe 1641, received the rating of Superior rating and they also received the honor of being awarded BEST SHOW. The award is given to only one school during the festival, the largest festival in the entire United States involving 7000 students from all over Florida.

Because of their award and distinction, they were selected to represent Florida in the category of 'One Acts' in Lincoln, Nebraska at the International Thespian Theatre Festival from June 25th through June 30th.

It's an incredible honor for a school which some people did not expect to succeed.

"We're doing it for all those people who said Southridge isn't worth it," said drama club director/teacher Paul Lobeck. "That was our rallying cry, to just show everybody what we can do."

Lobeck said he's honored to work with such talented, humble and gracious students. Not only are they great actors but model students as well. Four of the seniors will graduate Summa Cum Laude, and three others will be Magna Cum Laude; all are college bound. All underclassmen are Honors and AP Students and 5 are members of the Miami Southridge Scholars Academy.

Students and teachers have worked hard to raise the school's grade from a "C" to an "A" and now its 17 member Spartans Players Troupe is ready to compete against the world. But a lack of funds could end their dreams.

Southridge is made up of students from predominantly low income families. They have to raise the $20,000 needed to get them Nebraska by May 1st or else the price tag for registration rises significantly.

"The fact that we got so far and we're coming up short financially is just, it's heartbreaking to me and my troop," said Abigal George.

For many of the Spartan Players, acting is a more than passion.

"It's definitely an outlet from everything," said Wendy Roche, "School, especially for us seniors, is so stressful, having to worry about our grades, our SAT scores, getting into college."

Anyone who would like to help these talented students get to the international festival this June can do so in a couple of way.

First, you can make a donation at www.indiegogo.com/spartanplayers. The goal amount is set at only $3,000 because if they fail to make it, they lose some of the money donated. If they make the goal amount in the allotted time, they get all of the money and then they'll set another small goal amount. They will keep doing this right up until the deadline.

If you would like to help out in person, stop by the Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar in the Southland Mall in Cutler Bay on April 12th. From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. a part of the proceeds from checks, including bar tabs, will be donated to the drama club if the customer mentions the school. There will also be a silent auction for various vacation packages, theater tickets, restaurant certificates and sports memorabilia.