This past spring, our theatre program was one week away from opening our production of RENT, school edition, when we went into shelter-in-place. Melanie Zapper, our theatre instructor and director was able to create this video of one of the songs from the show, “Seasons Of Love”. It also includes a heartwarming message to the graduating seniors.
Because we were not able to perform this musical, it left us with all of the expenses of the show without the income from the ticket sales. As a result, the AAI Theatre program will be starting next school year $5000 in debt, a significant loss to our program.
To help recuperate our losses, we have set up a GoFundMe. All donations to this platform will be used to pay off our debt. Any additional funding will be used to ensure our students and community continue to have quality performing arts experiences on our campus. Any contribution you can make would be greatly appreciated. I can not express how much your donation would mean to me and the students. Thank you for your continued support of the performing arts in our local educational setting.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/aai-theatre-covid19-relief-fund
Arcata Arts Institute 
Putting RENT on the stage of the FAB was a conversation that started before I was lifted away from AHS to the job I have now. I was soooo looking forward to see that vision come true, to see the production inhabited with your fresh, vibrant spirits. I am grateful to have been sent this ray of hope and joy in the song of “Seasons of Love”. You are all our hope, our future, our architects of change, no small task in this moment. I believe in you, I place my trust in you. With deep respect and love, ABC.