SP Cares is an annual production hosted by the Severna Park Stage Company that raises money for a designated charity by giving student performers the chance to light up the auditorium stage to energize and electrify the audience. But this year, the event has switched to an outside venue in order to better cater to the theme of Ellie’s Bus, the charity that will be making an appearance. On the evening of Sept. 30, Thespians, student performers and outside groups alike will be taking control of the patio in front of the school to raise money for Ellie’s Bus. In addition to a different venue, the Stage Company is introducing a few twists with the hope of increasing foot traffic and to raise more money for the charity.
In the past, the show has been Broadway-based, but this year’s production will move more towards rock music. “I introduced the program in 2006 as Broadway cares” said drama department chair Angela Germanos. SP Cares is a spin off of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, based in New York City, and Germanos decided to bring it to Severna Park.
The Stage Company believes that by hosting the event outside, it can better accommodate the theme of the charity. “This year we’re switching it up and we’re actually doing SP Cares outside this because we want to have more of a festival feel in a way because Ellie’s Bus, its trademark is going to festivals, concerts and any outdoors events where kids hang out and have a more of a relaxed vibe,” said senior and Thespian Society president Ashley Rolf. As well as moving away from the Broadway theme by encouraging students to sing rock-based music, the Stage Company has also invited School of Rock to come for an hour-long set.
Ellie’s Bus is a charity that raises awareness for mental health, and is operated by Sherry and Larry Leikin, who lost their daughter Ellie to suicide last November. The parents changed their daughters VW Bus that was previously named “The Mystery Machine” into a mobile charity that specifically targets teenagers in Maryland. For more information about the charity, please visit elliesbus.org.
In addition to an outside venue that will better suit the Leikins’ charity, the Stage Company is introducing new factors in hopes to raise more money during the event. “We’re going to have Ellie’s Bus pull up so we have our charity there and visible to the public, along with Chubby’s food truck is coming, and then we’re hoping to get T&J Waffles to come so we have a variety of food. A portion of the food profit will also be donated to the charity” said Rolf. With food trucks, SP Cares will attract a larger crowd and reiterate the festival theme the Stage Company is trying to showcase.
As a student, performing in SP Cares can mean a lot. By using natural talent to support a good cause, students can make a considerable impact on the community at large. “SP Cares is something I’ve enjoyed doing since freshmen year. It’s a great way to stay connected to the drama department here at Severna Park and it’s a lot of fun,” said junior Rachel Kalafos.“The best part is that all the proceeds we make go directly to the charity on site.”Although student performers are only half of the show, the few chosen are enthusiastic and proud to be part of the event.
Admission for the event is $5, and Thespians will continually be walking around the event with donation buckets. Be there or be square!
