The Echostage theatre program (East Coweta High School On Stage) is having a huge auction Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.. The “Raise the Curtain” auction will be held in East Coweta High School’s cafeteria. There are 200 items to be auctioned, including a brand new 2010 Toyota Camry LE from Toyota of Newnan, vacation getaways, sports tickets (Falcons, Thrashers, Hawks), Canongate golf packages, autographed music and sports items, jewelry, cosmetics, musical instruments, and lots of local gift cards and baskets for restaurants, party/entertainment venues, and services. A complete listing of items can be found at www.echostagefriends.com. Tickets are $5 at the door and will include desserts, beverages, and entertainment.

All proceeds from the auction will be used to help to rebuild the theatre space at East Coweta High School. During the last half of the 2008-2009 school year, Echostage lost its home performance space. The space, a renovated former band room, had been gradually improved through hard work and club fund raisers to include audience risers, comfortable theatre seats, quality theatre lighting and sound systems, and flexible staging possibilities for performances. After operating for 6 1/2 years in this space, it was unexpedtedly decided that the room did not meet Fire Codes. The wooden risers were torn down and removed; the lights, speakers, and wiring were all pulled down from the ceiling, and students were prohibited to meet in the room, classes included, until several requirements were met.

The theatre classes are now able to meet in the drama room, but there are no audience risers or seats, no functional lighting and sound systems, and performances under these conditions are impossible. The theatre classes also suffer from the inability to use the equipment for instruction.

Echostage is the largest extra-curricular club at East Coweta High, with a current membership of over 140 students. Echostage produces five major productions each year, and their reputation for quality shows is well respected in the community and beyond. The club is an extension of the ECHS theatre classes, an elective course very popular with students. Echostage serves as a “family” for most of its membership. Students find acceptance, purpose, success, and pride through their involvement with Echostage. The club also sponsors Troupe 6369 of the International Thespian Society. Echostage annually supports various charitable and community service projects.

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