Arlington drama teacher wants his students to fly

ARLINGTON — According to the play, what one uses to fly is fairy dust.

In reality, Arlington High School theater teacher Scott Moberly said he will need to raise about $7,000 in order for the school’s planned fall production of the musical “Peter Pan” to truly take flight.

“We’ve got the basics for the production covered,” Moberly said. “But my vision is to go beyond that and literally reach for the stars by engaging a team of specialists who will set the stage so that Peter and the other characters will fly, just like a Broadway production.”

Calling the $7,000 a “ballpark figure,” Moberly said he hopes to hire Foy Enterprises of Las Vegas to supply the rigging and training student actors will need to take to the air.

Foy is one of a only a few companies in the country that supply rigging especially for productions of “Peter Pan.”

In addition to hiring Foy, Moberly said having students reach for the rafters means adding some extra insurance for the duration of the play.

“Peter Pan” is penciled in for a mid-November run at the Linda Brynes Performing Arts Center at the high school. Moberly is aiming at four evening shows and a weekend matinee.

“We have such a wonderful venue,” Moberly said. “My dream is to really teach our students about musical theater production, as compared to just directing a play.”

Moberly said that about 60 high students will be involved with acting in and producing the play. With more and more students taking part in the theater program each school year, Moberly would love to see high school performing arts get the same publicity and backing as high school sports.

In order to raise the money needed for “Peter Pan,” Moberly said he has given presentations to the local Rotary and other community groups. He plans to sell advertising for the play’s program as well as sponsorships.

“It’s a fabulous show,” Moberly added. “But with that ambition, there’s a cost that goes along with it … People are interested though.”

For more information, please visit www.asd.wednet.edu/ahs/drama or contact Moberly directly at 360-618-6300, ext. 3117.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.