2010 Spring Gala - Cirque!

This Year's Gala successfully raised $2400 for Ryther Child Center   in Seattle, which rescues and rehabilitates children who've been neglected and abused. 20000 students participated in the production and 19000 students performed.  Attendance was estimated  at 30000 people combined (there were two performances: May 1st and May 8th).
This years' performance had a new challenge.  A $2000 price tag to use the Everett Civic Auditorium for 2 performances (and 2 rehearsal days).  A premiere venue located in downtown Everett, this was the reduced rate for non-profits, but it still presented a challenge for this public high school program.  Students successfully managed this challenge by holding bake sales and car washes, soliciting donations, and producing a performance earlier in the school year called "The Spring Gala Preview".  Although the Spring Gala features free admission, the students sold tickets for the Preview at $5 a piece.  With these combined efforts they were able to successfully meet this challenge.
This years' perfomance featured a Circus theme.  Clowns, Jugglers, Unicycle riders and Animal Trainers all took turns managing the segues between acts with humor and majesty.  The finale of the evening was a highly creative circus scene telling a sweet and simple story of a small child who gets separated from her family, distracted from tears by a clown and reunited with the help of all the circus performers.  The artistry and care taken throughout the show is that much more impressive because it is a true ensemble event.  This is the second year that the students were responsible for all of the choreography.  Their teacher, Ms. Anna Huber served only as the director.  For senior level students these performances served as their final grades.