With the newer direction of the Theater Guild, several new ideas and projects have come to fruition. The latest of which is the Gilded Gala, a brand new endeavor featuring a variety of performances and a meal. As this recent project has blossomed under the guidance of Rachel Slupe, theater director and recent Chelsea High School hire, the purpose and intent of the Gilded Gala have been a main focus.
“It’s designed to benefit the Chelsea High School Theatre Guild and the general arts department,” Slupe said. “So we’re presenting it in partnership with the arts department.”
Slupe said that the funds will primarily help elevate the theater program to a higher production quality.
“This fundraiser is really modeled to bring those productions to the next level, and to bring in additional materials or additional aspects to those shows that our students can learn from,” Slupe said.
Besides fundraising, another large aspect of the Gilded Gala is to involve and inspire the students working on the project. Slupe has a big focus on the ways her students can be impacted by the projects they take on.
“It’s supposed to be an experience first,” Slupe said. “That’s one of the things we tried to prioritize, student involvement and takeaway.”
Besides performing, the students had the opportunity to help backstage and to create objects for the auction and raffle, which will both take place during the Gala.
“It really allows the students to review how their skills are marketable beyond just a musical or play,” Slupe said.
With how large of a focus students’ experience is, their perspectives on the idea of the Gilded Gala reflect their involvement.
“I like the idea, I think more people will get involved [in theater] if we do more things like this,” Alice Korner (‘27) said.
Korner also recognizes how many different parts of the arts department and the school community as a whole are included in this plan.
“Both the choir and band directors are involved, I think [Slupe] is doing a good job including more of the arts departments,” Korner said.
Many of the theater guild members share similar sentiments about how Slupe is elevating the theater program.
“There’s more of a focus on actually getting better, rather than just having to perform.” Lauren Thompson (‘25) said.
Slupe’s direction is new, she’s only been the theater director for a year and a half. Yet, many of the students who were around before she took over appreciate the different direction the program is going.
“I think it’s a lot more focused on improving over the year, instead of just doing one show,” Thompson said.
The Gilded Gala is meant to do more than just provide an opportunity for students, however. As much as The Gala is supposed to help students, it’s also supposed to help the community.
“People love to go out and have an enjoyable time, hear some music, eat some good food, and this provides a good opportunity for it,” Slupe said.
With all of the benefits to the students and the Chelsea-wide community, The Gilded Gala is seemingly here to stay.
“We are definitely looking at making this an annual production,” Slupe said. “We just need something that really ties the community together, and it’s a bit of a thank you for our patrons and a night of fun for all.”
