The Cathedral Catholic High School Drama program concluded its fall show Midsummer/Jersey this past weekend, but the excitement in the department is just getting started.

Last Saturday, CCHS families and alumni gathered on campus for the school’s first formal fundraiser specifically targeted for the drama program. Later, event participants attended the evening performance of the school play.

“Families want to donate to something specific,” CCHS Drama Director Ms. Wilson said, “and especially to things their students participate in and are affected by.”

In a single night, $65,000 was raised for the program, bringing the total funds raised for the drama department to $110,000. Students and Ms. Wilson are looking forward to the opportunities that these funds will allow.

There is a three phase plan in the works to help refurbish the Guadalupe Center theater, offering a better experience to both audience members as well as performers. This plan includes an acoustic treatment for the walls and the ceiling, a lighting installation and a new media system.

“The new equipment should help bring the shows to the next level,” Ms. Wilson said. “We’ve had to rent equipment for a long time, but now we should be able to make the school money.”

The renovations to the theater will not only benefit the drama program, but will also enable the theater to be a more multi-purpose space.

“Everyone benefits from this, not just drama,” Ms. Wilson said.

With the addition of the media system, the theater will be better equipped for presentations and other events.

House Manager Matt Nguyen ‘16 added, “I’m excited to see how the renovations will truly improve the guest experience for all.”

The first phase, the acoustic renovation, is expected to be complete before the next show, “Bye Bye Birdie.” Auditions for the show will begin after Thanksgiving break, and Ms. Wilson encourages all students interested to audition.