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From “Mamma Mia!” to “The Music Man,” “West Side Story” to “The Wiz” — and, coming this fall, “Les Miserables” — sold-out audiences are awed by Staples Players’ twice-yearly productions.

The singing, dancing and acting — along with sets, lighting, sound, costumes and so much more — are Broadway-worthy.

That’s not just “06880” boosterism. Folks who see their shows — like Marvin Hamlisch’s widow, who was wowed by Players’ version of “A Chorus Line” — sing the high school troupe’s praises. (That’s how they got invited to perform at a birthday celebration for her late husband in New York, alongside Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey and Donna McKechnie.)

But those sets don’t build themselves. Costumes are not magically sewn.

Audiences enjoyed all of “Elf”: sets, costumes, staging and more.

It takes a ton of work.

A ton of money, too.

And — like a curtain on opening night — those costs keep rising.

They’ve risen particularly fast since COVID — up to 50% in some cases.

Five years of increased prices of lumber, building supplies, paint, lighting and sound equipment, costume materials and more have put a serious dent in Players’ bank account.

The imposition of tariffs means further price increases loom.

And here’s something most audiences don’t know: Players’ productions are primarily funded by … Players.

The Board of Education budget provides stipends for only 60% of the directors and others who work on shows.

The remaining costs are paid for by ticket sales, and money raised by students and parents through concession sales, program ads, sponsorships and the like.

The town does not contribute to sets, paint, lights, sounds, costumes or anything else. Players pay for all of those, out of pocket.

All lighting expenses — like those for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (above — come from the Players’ budget.

But there’s a second act to this story.

The troupe also pays for auditorium upkeep.

And the Staples auditorium has not been renovated in over 30 years.

That was not even a major overhaul. It touched only the seating and aesthetics of the hallowed space — not the lights, rigging or stage.

Players is grateful that the Board of Education recently approved funds to update the auditorium.

But those renovations won’t happen for a couple of years.

In the meantime, Players has footed the bill for bandaids — updated lighting, expensive sound equipment, rigging, etc. — to help the hall look and sound as good as it can.

Staples Players, at a recent work day.

Which brings us to act 3.

To raise money to keep producing the shows Westport audiences expect (and love), Players has organized a Dance-a-Thon.

On September 26, every student actor and tech crew member — a couple of hundred of them — will dance for 4 hours straight.

Mamma mia!

Each teenager will solicit funds from relatives, friends and neighbors. Be on the lookout!

But you don’t need to know a particular Player to help. Click here to make a contribution on the Dance-a-Thon homepage. 

And know — when you see Staples Players’ spectacular production of “Les Mis” in November — that they couldn’t have done it without you.

(Players also offers new levels of sponsorship, and invites new and returning businesses and individuals to advertise in their “Les Mis” playbill. For details, email playersads@gmail.com.)

Staples Players’ officers will join many other cast and tech crew members in the September 26 Dance-a-Thon. From left: Henry Baker, Fin Madaloni, Sara Stanley, Cat Betit, Griffin Delmhorst, Gabi Schmelkin-Wilson. (All photos/Kerry Long)

ENCORE! Still looking for a reason to donate to the Dance-a-Thon? Here is a quote from Staples Players president Cat Betit:

Staples players has become a second home to me. Ever since I joined freshman year, the environment was welcoming. It became a place where I can feel comfortable and excited to do the thing I love, theatre. The Dance-a-Thon will be a fun night where all students in Players can let go of the stress of school and life, and enjoy an incredible night of dancing with their friends and fellow Players. I’m excited to share that joy with the community, and watch the connections in our big family grow even more.

Co-vice president of acting Sara Stanley says:

Players has been such a welcoming and loving community ever since I joined as a freshman. Players has given me so much: a place to express my passion, and a beautiful array of friends. I would love to help ensure that players will continue for many more generations to come, so that so many other kids will experience the same magic that Players has given me.

Co-vice president of acting Griffin Delmhorst adds:

Players has been important to me since my freshman year, because it has provided me the ability to be my authentic self. It feels like everyone is so self-conscious in the halls and everyone is constantly trying to impress each other, but as soon as I walk down the theater hallway at the end of the day, I’m met with smiles, the feeling of safety to be myself, and always a warm welcome. The Dance-a-thon allows all of Players to be their authentic selves for one night after rehearsal, without having to think about all of the stresses of applying to college, or schoolwork, or even rehearsal itself! Players is an environment that I’ve grown to be extremely grateful for over the past 4 years. I am even more grateful being confident that future Players will have the same feelings of safety and comfort in the theater hallway that I do.

Stage manager Fin Madaloni says:

Players is such a wonderful learning environment for myself and so many other students at Staples. It’s not just creating shows to entertain the community, but it’s creating a new generation of leaders in and outside of theatre. Dance-a-Thon is a way for us to open back up to the community and let them get involved to help us continue to do what we do, as well as to grow. We’re all so excited to bring back this event and to be able to continue to share our work with the community!

Co-vice president of acting Gabi Schmelkin-Wilson notes:

Players has been a huge part of my high school experience. It’s not just about theater, but about being part of a community where I’ve grown as a leader, collaborator and friend. The support and creativity in Players have shaped who I am. The Dance-a-Thon is our chance to give back to the program that gives us so much. It’s a fun and meaningful way to bring everyone together, celebrate our community, and make sure future Players have the same opportunities we’ve had.

Vice president of tech Henry Baker says:

Since joining 3 years ago as a freshman, Staples Players has been an integral part of my high school experience. The support and creativity of this community have shaped me into the collaborator, leader and overall person that I am today. The Dance-A-Thon is an opportunity for actors and technicians alike to release any stress they may be experiencing, while also fundraising and having a great time. But most importantly, it is our chance to give back to the organization that has given so much to us. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve received — just like the Players who came before me— and I’m determined to help future Players experience that same magic.