#OurRaleigh: WPU Theatre Students Perform for Local Nonprofit in Holiday Fundraising Event
William Peace University Theatre students are in the holiday spirit, having recently performed at “One Magical Christmas”, a fundraising event for the local nonprofit organization, Special Blessings Inc. The event was highlighted by a silent auction that benefited the organization’s efforts in supporting special needs children and assisting adults with disabilities in obtaining permanent housing. More than 20 local businesses sponsored the holiday event, which featured donated food from local restaurants. WPU students performed their interactive show titled “The Night Santa Disappeared” to an enthusiastic crowd of children and parents in attendance.
“Community partnerships like the one with Special Blessings provide WPU students the opportunity to serve the community while developing their own talents and skills.”
“Community partnerships like the one with Special Blessings provide WPU students the opportunity to serve the community while developing their own talents and skills,” said Jodi Stamey, Vice President for Advancement. “Our theatre students were able to provide a fantastic theatrical performance while supporting a wonderful cause.”
“The reason our Theatre students are in the program is because they want to perform for people and with people,” said Wade Newhouse, Associate Professor of English and Theatre Program Director. “The Special Blessings event gives them a chance to get away from the structured ‘rules’ of the stage and experiment with acting in ways that make people happy while helping to make a difference for a good cause.”
The interactive performance was fueled by audience participation, including WRAL news anchor, Kathryn Brown, who donated her time to the cause.
For more news and updates from William Peace University, visit www.peace.edu/news.