Pioneer Performing Arts High School Stages Fund-Raising Cabaret for Utah Repertory Theater Company

Through independent initiative, students of the Pioneer High School of the Performing Arts planned and participated in a fund-raising cabaret for Utah Repertory Theater Company.

"What better activity for a performing arts high school to show their school spirit than to produce a benefit concert for a theatre company whose work they appreciate?" said Kymberly Mellen, Pioneer High's Drama Academy Director.

"It was a perfect activity for Pioneer High School's homecoming week, though the school was not an official sponsor of the event."

Three Pioneer students -- KC Fralick, Max Higbee, and Briana Hulme, who served as the event's production team -- wanted to financially support the nonprofit theater company and approached Mellen and other teachers with the "pay what you may" cabaret of student performances.

"They thought up the idea, created a Facebook page, printed posters, created the line-up, performed themselves, sold concessions, got the support of their peers, contacted Utah Rep directors, printed programs, and transformed a backyard barn into a performing space," explained Mellen, who along with teaching at Pioneer High also serves as Utah Rep Executive Producer. "This was after seeing 'Rent' and 'Carousel,' and in particular they are very much looking forward to 'Bonnie & Clyde' next season.

The Pioneer student performers included Monica Smith, Hannah Ford, Max Higbee, Chandler Wiley, Alessia Love, and Briana Hulme, with Kira Korr, a Lone Peak High School student. Pioneer faculty member Erik Agle and alumnus Brandon Hanks also performed, along with Utah Rep company members Michelle Moore, Rachel Summerhalder, and Dee Tua'one.

The final performance was Pioneer students and Utah Rep company members singing "Seasons of Love" from "Rent."

TOP PHOTO: Briana Hulme, Max Higbee, and Chandler Willey, left to right
BOTTOM PHOTO: Chandler Willey, Max Higbee, and Brandon Hanks

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