Benefit concert for Hartselle Drama to be held May 10

Michael Dean & Memphis will return to Hartselle on May 10 at 2 p.m. for a benefit concert for Hartselle Drama. The proceeds will benefit members of the Drama Club attending the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University Bloomington. 

Fans can enjoy the nearly two-hour concert from the Elvis tribute band. The concert will be held at the high school auditorium with doors opening at 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. Tickets can be found online on GoFan.  

In February, the students performed in the Alabama State Thespian Festival, and now 21 qualifying students will go to nationals in June. The students will be able to participate in workshops designed to nurture their acting and singing talents, as well as playwriting and costume and set design.  

The students will compete with their pieces from state as either individuals or duets. One duet group attending nationals, Brady Long and Gunner Calhoun, were awarded top scores at the state festival.  

Others who scored superior ratings include Adrain Sanchez, Alana Travers, Alison Reichstetter, Alivia Wiley, Amelia Grigsby, Clara Bass, Cooper Reid Estep, Emma Gregory, Kylee Little, Laura Lundy, Lily Norris, Maddie Haraway, Mary Claire Culpepper, Phoenix Hughes, Sage Fairchild, Serenity Harold, Skylar Fairchild, Jackson Lee Turner and Lucas McMinemon. 

In addition to growing their acting skills, the young thespians will meet thousands of others in their field, according to club vice president Moncia Gregory.  

“Students will also build their theatre family by meeting thousands of thespians, theatre educators and working professionals, and form lifelong friendships.  I know my daughter really enjoyed her time at nationals last year,” she said.  

To attend nationals, it will cost each student $999 plus travel expenses. Fundraisers like the benefit concert will help with those costs. They will perform on April 14-15 at the high school auditorium, hold spirit nights at several local restaurants, and even a theatre camp for younger students. To find the full list, Gregory said more information can be found on the club’s Facebook page.