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Magruder High School drama students in Montgomery County are raising money to recover from an unexpected disaster after a chunk of the auditorium ceiling collapsed mid-performance during their spring musical, forcing them to relocate, organizers said.
The Magruder Drama Department was in the middle of their second performance of "Once Upon A Mattress" when a section of the ceiling suddenly fell, sending a scare through the audience.
Despite the unexpected chaos, the student performers powered through without missing a beat, parents said.
Days later, officials deemed the auditorium unsafe, forcing the group to find a new stage for the remainder of the show’s run. By Tuesday, the cast and crew had relocated to Shady Grove Middle School, where they finished their final two performances.
"As I mentioned in my previous messages, it has become necessary to address repairs to the ceiling in our auditorium," Principal Christopher Ascienzo said. "Unfortunately, for safety reasons, this reality means the space is unusable for several weeks."
auditorium. Unfortunately, for safety reasons, this reality means the space is unusable for several weeks
Now, parents and students are rallying to recover the financial toll of the relocation and repairs, launching a GoFundMe campaign to help cover expenses.
“It has been remarkable to see what took these kids (and staff) months to build be deconstructed and reconstructed in just a few days,” organizer Cynthia Simonson wrote. “But this does not come without financial cost.”
In addition to unexpected costs, the fundraiser will help make up for lost ticket and concession sales, which fund next year’s production rights and upgrades to sound equipment.
More than $3,800 has already been raised, with parents encouraging the community to pitch in.
Students and parents say they’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, as volunteers—some they had never even met before—showed up with trucks, trailers, and lighting equipment to help rebuild.
For those looking to support the drama department, donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign.
"The 'drama mamas' (and pops) are asking the community to ease the financial strain by doing what our community does best -- support however you can," organizers wrote.
"It is incredibly moving. We invite you to be a part of this story..."
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