In the heart of our Olathe community, a remarkable theatrical production has unfolded. A collaboration across different age groups and schools began last August when David Hastings and other Olathe theater teachers decided to apply for the opportunity to be the only district in Kansas to put on Frozen -- The Broadway Musical, including students from the entire district. They applied for a grant from the Women’s Giving Circle which was matched by a classroom grant from the Olathe Public Schools Foundation. Auditions were held in February around the time of conferences. Crew was selected in April and in June, many of the crews (sound, costumes, set) started working at South, North and East. Practices started in July and performances began August 16.
Behind the scenes, financial considerations were instrumental because this was going to be an expensive production. Although ticket sales covered a significant portion of the production costs, the grants from the Women's Giving Circle and OPSF played a pivotal role in expanding the project's scope. Roughly $8000 from the grants covered royalties, an essential expense. An additional $2000 allowed us to rent LED screens, enhancing the visual experience.
"It has been amazing working with all of these age ranges and kids from every school in the district. The high school students have been fabulous. They have even played games with the elementary students. The middle school students were incredible, as we only had a couple from each school. The elementary students have been a joy to work with during this process. But to see them all onstage together is magical. The goal was to bring our community together and I am positive we have achieved this goal. I have learned SO much from this process. When you bring everyone together, when everyone is valued, and we included and celebrated the work of all our students and staff, you can accomplish amazing things," reflected Mr. Hastings, a Theater teacher at Olathe South.
The legacy of this production will linger, serving as a reminder of what can be accomplished when a community unites in pursuit of a shared vision. From grants, talent and dedication of students, staff and community members, there has been a path forged that will continue to shape lives and foster unity for the future. Olathe should be very proud!
Your donations go towards projects like this that make a huge impact on the lives of so many in our Olathe community. Thank you!