Teacher: Melanie Duke
School: Custer County High School
District: Custer County
District Website: https://www.custercountyschools.org/
School Address: 709 Main Street, Custer County, CO
Grade Level: High School Drama
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Scripts and Licensing
Category: Music, Journalism, and the Arts
Amount Requested: $1,610

Project Description:
My name is Melanie Duke, and I teach at a rural school with deep ranching roots. When I joined in 2021, I discovered that COVID-19 had nearly wiped out our arts program. I took on the challenge of reviving the drama department, and it has since become a crucial space for students who aren't into ranching or athletics. Our program helps them find community, acceptance, self-confidence, and creativity.

We stage two productions each year, each costing between $2,500 and $3,000 for licensing, scripts, costumes, theater rental, and sets. This fall, we're excited to present "Eurydice" by Sarah Ruhl, which explores beautiful themes of love and loss. We need $1,610 to cover the performance license, script, and performance space rental.

Proposal:
This project will fund the costs of staging our fall production, "Eurydice," by Sarah Ruhl, allowing our students to explore their creative and leadership skills. The funds will cover the amateur performance fee, script purchase, and performance space rental.

Budget Breakdown:

• Amateur Performance Fee: $390
• Eurydice Acting Edition Scripts (10): $121.10
• Performance Space Rental: $1,200

Total: $1,610

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