WHS Stage Curtains in Disrepair
After fifteen years of plays, musicals, dance recitals, freshman orientations, school assemblies, lip sync battles, and countless other programs and events, the stage curtains at Winchester High School are showing major wear and tear. The stage itself is a beautiful, classic piece of WHS history, constructed as part of the original high school building in 1921. The trimmings of the stage--the curtains--are beyond repair and need to be replaced.
A recent inspection of the curtains and rigging system highlighted many areas of concern. Several sash cords and floor pulleys need to be replaced in the rigging system. The backstage curtains are tattered and shredded with holes in many places and safety pins holding sections together. The chains used to weight the curtains at the hems are showing in several places.
Any drama kid or dancer who has performed on the WHS stage can tell you how important curtains are to a production. There’s nothing like the feeling of hiding in the wings, behind the curtains waiting to make your big entrance. Now the performers not only have to remember their lines or their dance moves, but they also have to be careful not to trip over a stray piece of fabric, get their hand caught in a hole, or get stuck by a popped open safety pin.
In the 2018-2019 school year, the two drama club productions saw around thirty students each participate in the cast and crew. This year, in addition to learning lines, rehearsing blocking, doing homework, and participating in their other activities, drama club students will also fundraise for new curtains, estimated to cost around $16,000. Please consider supporting these students by attending future productions, purchasing items from their fundraisers, or even sending a donation to the school.
If you have questions about the drama club or the curtains, please contact Mr. Vortman or Ms. Killebrew by calling 217-742-3151.
