Navasota High School Theatre Company hosting fundraiser for production improvements, educational experiences

NAVASOTA, Texas (KBTX) – The Navasota High School Theatre Company needs your help to go to the next level.

It’s hosting a fundraiser to raise $8,000, which would go toward program improvements like updated equipment and costumes. In addition, it would help with out-of-school experiences like educational experiences and workshops.

“We are a Title I school, which means the majority of our students are from lower-income families and so by having this program and by having this fundraising, we’re giving them opportunities to have that are just as well as some of the bigger schools in the bigger cities,” Stephanie FitzSimon said.

Stephanie FitzSimon is the theatre director and said these improvements and experiences will also help students become more career-ready.

“I just want all of the kids, whether they’re the technician or the actor to be able to have the tools that they need and that we get as many kids in here as possible,” Stephanie FitzSimon said.

The ways to give include giving directly to the program’s GoFundMe, becoming a sponsor and supporting its on-campus chocolate sale. Chocolate bars are $2 each.

The program’s students can also sell chocolate at community events and businesses.

The program’s students can also sell chocolate at community events and businesses.

The theatre director hopes the program’s growth will bring in more students. She’s been at the high school for six years and said it’s a place where students like McKenzie FitzSimon find their passion.

“After my first performance, I was like okay, this is what I wanna do, like forever,” McKenzie FitzSimon said.

Athlete Keylan Richardson auditioned for a show with a friend sophomore year and got bit by the “theatre bug.” He said the program has allowed him to express himself.

“Being on ‘Guys & Dolls’ with all of the other people, it was awesome,” Richardson said. “That was my favorite role. I have more roles coming up, you know, like soon. Hopefully, Billy Flynn. Just saying.”

For Laila Hernandez, the program is where she found confidence.

“I’ve learned to work with people a lot better, I’ve gained friends and found my place,” Hernandez said.

Stephanie FitzSimon said providing a safe space for all students and helping them to learn lessons they can take outside of the theatre is why the program matters.

The director recently received the Top Secondary Teacher of the Brazos Valley Award from the Institute Brazos Valley Magazine.