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L/RAIN Temp: 46 °F Wind: W at 8 mph Monday, April 21, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend April 8, 2003 Members of the Central Point Teen Actors rehearse for the musical �Grease,� at the First Presbyterian Church. The show will hit the stage Wednesday, thanks to student actors and volunteers who overcame a host of hurdles. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Despite setbacks, Central Point teens put on ‘Grease’ By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune Although they’re proud to be called greasers, members of the Central Point Teen Actors have proven that they’re no slouches when it comes to hard work and dedication. For years, Crater High School thespians have struggled to put on plays without funding from the district. A series of budget cuts have reduced Crater’s drama department to a single acting class. Undaunted, parents and community member each year band together and help Crater students put on theatrical productions. This year for the first time, the group adopted an official name — Central Point Teen Actors (CPTA). Despite a series of setbacks and challenges facing students this season, the students will present the musical "Grease" beginning Wednesday. "People have been saying we can’t do it, that we won’t be able pull it off," said Crater High School sophomore Jesse Beckmann, who plays Kenickie. "We’re going to prove them wrong." "This has been so much fun," added Jerry Jenae Worley, a senior who will play the rebellious Rizzo. "It’s finally coming together, all the singing and dancing." Co-producer and parent volunteer Shannon Gerten, said more than 70 students tried out for the musical. After the cast of 35 was selected, Gerten said, the students faced their first real challenge — a place to practice. "They’ve got such full plates while they are doing this," she said, adding that most CPTA students have jobs, play sports and are involved in additional extra curricular activities. "We need so much energy to keep up with their energy. We knew they’d tackle this." Normally, students would practice and perform at the Crater High School student center, but the area was torn down last year to make room for an auditorium. The new facility, part of a $30 million bond construction effort, won’t be ready until September. "Our kids, they were so crestfallen that they couldn’t do theater," said co-producer and parent Vicki Graham. "We just had to make it happen." So the students bundled up in warm clothing and practiced in a shop building that had no heat throughout the winter. The First Presbyterian Church also volunteered the use of its building on West Pine Street. But the church stage was too small, and students first had to build an extension. Nearly $2,000 was needed to pay royalties to perform "Grease." Other needs, such as costumes, advertisements and props, brought the total cost to $3,000. Students undertook a fund-raising effort that included garage sales, spaghetti feeds and car drives. The student actors’ efforts will culminate Wednesday evening when "Grease" opens a four-night run for audiences at Scenic Middle School. Although the district donated the use of the building, the CPTA had to pay for insurance during the production. "This performance is not going to be like your usual high school performances," said Beckmann. "It’s going to be even better." Director Lindsay Darneille, a volunteer grandmother with an acting background, agreed. "I didn’t cast anybody who didn’t swear they wouldn’t give up their lives for this," said Darneille. "They are all such talented kids, and it really shows." Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] See the musical The Central Point Teen Actors will perform "Grease" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Scenic Middle School, 1955 Scenic Ave. Tickets are $7.50 for adults and $4 for seniors, and can be purchased at the door. Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S