They called the September 8, 2019 fundraiser “Room For All,” and partnered with Claremont United Church of Christ, then Claremont High Theater Director Krista Elhai, and local theater production company Ophelia’s Jump. It was held at CHS’s Don F. Fruechte Theater and featured a production of Robert Schenkkan’s “Building the Wall.” The goal was to raise $7,200. At the end of the night they had more than $26,000. “And we decided to do a lot more,” Leano said.
“Back in the misty eons of time …” So begins the induction ceremony into the International Thespian Society, a dream for any middle or high school student in love with theater and the arts. The International Thespian Society, now with over 2.4 million members, was founded in 1929 and remains a mainstay for student artists around the world. To be a member, you must earn a certain amount of thespian “points.” Points are earned by participating in your school’s theater productions and completing one or more of the many associated jobs necessary for the show to proceed.