AHSTF-The Fringe in Scotland

My name is Avelina and I am a freshman at Skyline High School in Oakland, CA.  I am also in the Drama Program at Skyline and we have been given the opportunity by invitation to go to the American High School Theater Festival (AHSTF) at the Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland. The AHSTF is an huge performing arts event that runs two weeks out of the year.


As an actor who is aspiring to make acting, singing, and dancing my career, going to AHSTF is a chance of lifetime. Participating in this educational opportunity means we will be able to perform our play for audience from around the world and see and learn from schools and actors from around the globe. In addition, we will be in workshops learning from professionals that we wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to learn from. Lastly, this is a chance to experience so many different styles of theater. I know that an experience like this will have a lasting impact on me as an actor.  


At AHSTF we will be performing the play Prospect High: Brooklyn. Having the opportunity to perform this play on the world’s stage would be incredible because it deals with many of the important issues that youth are facing across the country today including self harm, LGBTQ equality, violence, and bullying. For me being in the play is important because many of the topics are taboo subjects, and it’s important to talk about them and break the stigma these issues have. I’ve had experiences that I can relate to in this show and it’s powerful to bring attention to these issues in this way.


The total cost to get the entire cast to Edinburgh is $70,000. We have to raise $40,000 by June 2017 so we can go. As you can see my goal is $10,000, but if you can help me raise more it will benefit the entire group. This is an amazing once in a lifetime experience that means so much to all of us. Your help can make dreams come true.

To learn more about Prospect High: Brooklyn search #prospecthighbrooklyn on Twitter.