EMILY DESSER’S DANCE-A-THON PAGE

Hello!

I’m thrilled to share that my final fall musical as a Staples Player is the timeless classic, Grease! I’ll be donning the signature “Pink Ladies” jacket when I step on stage as the sassy Marty Maraschino. (Show dates are November 12, 13, 14, 19, and 20.)

Covid has impacted everyone differently. As an actor and Staples Player, it took away a very important part of my life. We were forced to cancel our spring ‘20 musical, Seussical, just days before opening night, and a fall musical wasn’t scheduled for what may have been the first time ever. In true Players’ spirit, we didn’t let that stop us. My fellow Players and I leveraged a different medium to share our craft in the form of radio shows; performing seven throughout fall ‘20 and winter ‘21. Getting back on stage this past May with Words, Words, Words … and Music in front of a socially-distanced live audience was definitely the highlight of the 20-21 school year.

Unfortunately, we haven’t performed for a full-capacity audience since memorable Mamma Mia in November ‘19. What this means is that our beloved theater program took a big financial hit, and we are now working with limited funds. Although Westport Public Schools provides some financial support (i.e., Players’ staff stipends), ticket sales finance most other aspects of our performances (costumes, props, sets, extra choreography, lighting, etc.). Unable to recoup the money spent on Seussical through ticket sales (which would also have been used toward future shows), we must raise funds through other means.

Enter the Staples Players Dance-a-Thon. I’ll be dancing with my fellow Players from 8 p.m. to midnight on Friday, October 1. I don’t know if there will be a hand jive involved, but it’ll be fun to dance the night away for a great cause. Together, we’ll help ensure we can present Grease at the same high-quality level we always strive to achieve.

I hope you will consider sponsoring me to help reach (or exceed) my goal of $500. Any amount is appreciated. Check my progress on the Staples Players Leaderboard!

Thank you so much.

Emily

“It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it’s what you do with your dancin’ shoes.” Vince Fontaine (Grease, the movie, 1978)