SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

Keep students in stitches

CSHS Shadowbox Players needs donated sewing machines

The Cactus Shadows High School Shadowbox Players are looking for new and gently used sewing machines in good working condition. (Repairs are not in the budget.) “The ideal sewing machine would be capable of sewing both large and small garments,” said theater director Andrew Cupo, “and should be heavy-duty enough to last a few years of regular wear and tear.” 

“The sewing machines would be utilized by the Shadowbox Players’ technical theater students as well as the Theater Stagecraft class, a class of 39 students studying the entire realm of the world backstage, from scenery and costumes to lighting and sound and more,” explained Cupo. “The sewing machines would allow these students the opportunity to realize a costume which they designed and then see it on stage in a real production.”

Tommy Gladden, a junior at Cactus Shadows High School who was recently working on the department’s one and only machine, commented, “The gift of sewing machines would allow us, as students of the technical side of theater, to learn the art of costume design with hands on learning, which would be awesome."

In addition to introducing a useful skill for students of the technical theater arts, the sewing machines will allow actors the professional experience of performing with a costume built specifically for their character and the particular show in which they are cast.

Multiple machines are needed. Productions like the recent “One Hot Midsummer Night” and “West Side Story” often have casts of 50 – 60 students.

According to Cupo, the upcoming Shadowbox Players’ productions of “The Crucible” (Oct. 21 – 23) and “Hairspray” March 3 – 12) will immediately benefit from the acquisition of sewing machines. To donate, please contact him at [email protected] or 480-575-2114.