The Haines School’s Drama, Debate and Forensics team is changing the format and location of its annual dessert auction in an effort to bolster attendance and maximize money raised for the team’s travel to the statewide competition in Anchorage.
In addition to an auction of locally-made desserts, the event also includes performances of the “sad, hopeful, insightful and laugh-out-loud funny” pieces the students have been refining all season.
The event starts at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Chilkat Center.
Coach Amanda Randles said while events in the past have only showcased a handful of performances, attendees can expect to see more of what students have been working on.
“The team has developed so many pieces so well this year, we want to highlight the performance aspect of the fundraiser so that the community is able to see the work their kids can do,” Randles said.
Changing the venue from the high school open area to the Chilkat Center will also allow the students’ work to shine on a larger stage, Randles said.
Senior Eli White, who has emerged as a team leader, said this year’s event promises to outdo those of prior years.
“We may also be bringing back a few of your favorite pieces,” White said. “This is really going to be a much bigger event than it has in the past, and we’re focusing more on the performances and entertainment side.”
A previously free event that garnered its funds from dessert bids, the team will be charging admission this year: $10 for adults and $5 for students.
To donate a dessert, contact Randles at 766-3664.
The team recently returned from Juneau, where it competed at Juneau-Douglas High School in its fifth and final regional competition of the season before the state tournament in Anchorage.
Randles said while the team held its own against the larger schools at the meet – Haines has the smallest team in the region – it probably could have done better.
Nine students attended and performed 19 pieces, including a humorous interpretation of Dr. Seuss’ “Fox in Socks” by sophomore Neil Little. He took sixth place overall.
Junior Zayla-Asquith Heinz earned a command performance with a fourth-place finish of her dramatic interpretation piece “B.” Asquith-Heinz has performed the piece at three separate competitions and finaled each time, Randles said.
Both of the team’s mime pieces also went to finals. Sophomores Zane Durr and Dylan Grimes and senior Zeke Frank placed fifth overall in the pantomime category with “Three Monkeys,” an illustration of the evolution of violence through the ages.
Junior Yael Paes and freshman Rachel Hass narrowly edged out their own teammates for fourth place overall in the pantomime category with “Sisters,” a slapstick piece about two sisters forced to share a bathroom while getting ready in the morning.