Willow Glen Resident

Education

Willow Glen Little Theater hosts 4th year of music series

By Mayra Flores De Marcotte

The curtain has gone up for the Willow Glen Music Boosters. "Thursdays and Fridays at the Theater" has begun.

The theater series was founded in 2004 by a small group of Willow Glen parents led by Rick Guptill and Linda Eaman.

The series was designed to serve two purposes--as a fundraiser for Willow Glen Middle and High schools' music departments and as a community outreach program.

"It gives community members that may not have children here a reason to come to the school," Eaman says. "We have this great program and great theater; it was just a wonderful opportunity to share it with the community."

The 2007-08 series marks the program's fourth year.

A few changes have been made along the way.

"In the beginning, we hired all our performers," Eaman says. "Now, the community is involved in the performance, as well as the audience."

Local talent now accounts for most of the performances during the series' run. In addition to the regular acts, such as the comedy and magic nights, a film festival as well as a battle of the bands has been added within the last two years.

In 2004, when the series began, the music boosters were part of the Parent Teacher Association at the high school.

"We needed a home, a nonprofit that we could be part of," Eaman says. "The Willow Glen PTA took us under their wing. Because we were part of both schools, the Willow Glen Foundation was a good fit."

A name, however, is just a name, she says.

"Families can expect a high- quality show, something that they will feel is worth coming out for and in a really warm, friendly relaxed neighborhood atmosphere," Eaman says.

The series continues to be volunteer-run and supported by community sponsors, including Teri Ravel Kane Landscape Architect, AccessPlus Mortgage, Music Village, Michael Ortegon, Details and Siena, a Mediterranean Bistro.

Proceeds from the shows benefit the music program at Willow Glen Middle and High schools, paying for such things as musical instruments, sound system equipment, costumes, an accompanist, and opportunities that students would otherwise do without. The 2005-06 series raised $7,000, and series organizers hope to increase that amount this year.

The next show, "Clean Comedy" will host both professional comedians and local amateurs on Oct. 19.

Willow Glen Middle and High School Music Boosters, a branch of the Willow Glen Middle and High School Foundation, produces the event.

Shows take place at Willow Glen Middle and High School Little Theater, 2105 Cottle Ave., from 7 to 8 p.m.

Most individual shows are $7 for general admission, $6 for students and seniors, and $25 for families.

For a complete list of shows, information or to purchase tickets, call 408.464.3643, or visit www. ThursdaysAtTheTheater.org or www.willowglenfoundation.org.