Fundraising ramps up to support Harwood performing arts

February 3, 2025  |  By Lisa Scagliotti 

Student actors wear wireless microphones as they perform in Harwood’s 2024 musical production, “The Addams Family.” Photo by Gordon Miller

Multiple fundraising efforts are underway to support Harwood Union High School’s theater programming, with ways for the community to support both the spring musical – “Anything Goes,” set for April 3-5 – and performances on the Harwood stage for years to come. 

The school’s Interact service club which works with Rotary Clubs in Waterbury and the Mad River Valley is running its annual bottle drive with the spring musical its beneficiary. 

In addition, the theater program has announced two sponsorship opportunities for community members and local businesses to either support an actor in the spring production or to help fund the purchase of wireless microphones to be used for the April show and into the future. 

Sponsor an actor  

Rehearsals are underway for “Anything Goes,” the Cole Porter classic musical set on an ocean liner. Scott Weigand, director of the theater program, has announced that local individuals and businesses in the community could support an actor for the April show.

“Sponsorships will directly contribute to the costs associated with costumes, set design, and overall production value, ensuring a memorable experience for both the performers and the audience,” Weigand explained. “These shows can cost a lot of money to produce, but we are dedicated to producing the highest quality show and educational experience possible, and we need your help to do it!”

Weigand asks that sponsorships be a minimum of $25. Sponsors will be recognized in the show program and acknowledged in the lobby during the production with a business card or sign. 

“By sponsoring an actor, you are investing in the future of our students and enriching the cultural life of our community,” Weigand said. 

Sponsorship contributions should be sent by check to Harwood Union High School, 458 VT RT 100, Moretown, VT 05660. Note “Musical” on the memo line. Email any questions to Weigand at scweigand@huusd.org.

Help purchase wireless microphones 

Looking at the bigger picture, Weigand said the community can help with the first phase of fundraising to upgrade Harwood’s music and theater infrastructure. This initial effort is seeking donors to fund the purchase of new wireless microphones. A contribution of $1,000 will pay for one new microphone. 

“We are looking to raise $22,000 to improve and expand our system to 20 wireless mics,” Weigand said. 

The school theater program has been renting microphones for the last two years, as its equipment is no longer usable. “However the money we spend on renting means other aspects of our production suffer,” Weigand explained. 

Purchasing equipment will improve the quality of school productions for years to come, he explained. New wireless microphones will allow for greater freedom of movement for student actors and ensure clear, uninterrupted sound for the audience. The mics will be used not just for the spring musicals, but for fall plays, band and chorus performances, and outside performers who may use the auditorium, Weigand said.

Ideally, the new equipment could be used in the spring show. Donors would be recognized in the show program and in the auditorium lobby, he said. 

Look for more information later this spring about additional efforts to upgrade Harwood’s auditorium infrastructure.

To learn more about the microphone fundraising and sponsorship opportunities, contact Weigand at scweigand@huusd.org or Harwood music teacher Molly Clark mclark@huusd.org. Donations may be mailed to Harwood Union High School, 458 VT RT 100, Moretown, VT 05660. Note “Musical” on the memo line.

Can & bottle drive 

The Harwood Interact Club’s ongoing bottle drive will support the Harwood Music and Performing Arts sound system upgrade project. 

Community members can drop off redeemable bottles and cans at Rodney's Transfer Station on River Road in Waterbury (near the Ice Center) until Feb. 22. Just tell staff there that they are a donation for Harwood Rotary Interact.

Another opportunity will be on Feb. 22 when Hannon Home Center will host a collection from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Finally, anyone with a large quantity of returnables or who is unable to drop off may request a pickup by emailing Ron Gulyas at buzzerman12@aol.com before Feb. 22. 

Questions about the can and bottle drive can be directed to Interact advisor Ellen Berrings at eberrings@huusd.org.