The El Dorado High School Drama III/IV class will present the one act play "Bus Stop" later this week, and Director Hannah Davis said students are hoping their performance can help raise money for a local nonprofit.
Written by Kendra Thomas, "Bus Stop" tells the story of Ava, who has been placed in foster care and is struggling to adapt. Davis said the dramatic play highlights the parental reunification process and shines a light on foster care.
"I hope (audiences) leave with the awesome message of the show, which is: reunification is always the goal, and don't judge a book by its cover," Davis said. "You never know what someone's story is."
The 40-minute performance is set for 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, Nov. 9, in the EHS Auditorium. Attendees are asked to pay what they can for entry into the show, and all proceeds will benefit The CALL of Union and Calhoun counties.
"Because our show is about foster care, we wanted to honor and give back to that," Davis said. "We called Kaila (Emery, executive director of The CALL of Union County) in to educate us about foster care and we figured it would be good to donate to a cause we are teaching about."
The students don't have a goal for how much they raised, though Davis said the more, the better.
"Any money for The CALL is good money. Obviously, the more the better, because they are such a good cause," she said.
The cast of "Bus Stop" includes Becca Parks as Ava, along with Kalla Fudge, Victoria Sanchez, Mary Claire Parker, Lani Misenheimer, Abby Nguyen, Jaden Owens, David Valero, Isai Hurtado, Mayah Hampton and Leonie Becker.
Demyah Charles is assistant directing, while Georgia Blackmon is costume designer, Emily Henderson is sound technician, Riya Nelson is light technician and Dustin Adams is assistant stage manager.
On Saturday, Nov. 11, the class will present "Bus Stop" again at the Arkansas State One-Act Competition at Searcy High School.
Also upcoming is the EHS Talent Show, presented by Thespian Troupe 42. Davis said Thespians have taken the lead on the talent show, which is set for Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the EHS Auditorium.
"The auditions were incredible," she said. "(I hope people see) how talented EHS students are!"
Tickets for the talent show cost $10, and funds raised will go toward Troupe 42's trip to the Arkansas State Thespian Festival, set for February in Jonesboro.
"Last year, we raised enough to cover everyone who wished to go's registration fee," Davis said. "I hope to match or do more than that so we can pay for some hotel fees as well."
Tickets for the talent show will be available for purchase starting today during all three lunch shifts at EHS, as well as at the door on the night of the show.
Performing in the talent show are Riya Nelson, Paris Scarbrough, Jazmin Wong, Timothy Alford II, Ramya Miller, Ryan Brewster, Marcy Rozier, The Great L, Georgia Blackmon and Meyah Hampton, Verdict, Myah Charles, Emily Henderson, Abby Nguyen and Kat Defazio.
Concessions will be available at the talent show.
For more information, visit facebook.com/EHSGoCats or eldoradopublicschools.org.