Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 02/21/2025
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Ocean County Vocational Technical School's (OCVTS) Grunin Performing Arts Academy (GPAA) is thrilled to announce that its fall drama production, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, has been selected to perform at the International Thespian Festival, the world's largest celebration of high school theatre. This prestigious event will take place at Indiana University Bloomington from June 22-27, 2025.
GPAA, a public performing arts high school, located on the Ocean County College (OCC) campus in Toms River, NJ, is one of only eight schools, worldwide, and only the second high school in New Jersey, to receive this remarkable honor. The academy offers specialized majors in Theater, Vocal, Dance, and Audio Engineering, and provides dual enrollment opportunities with OCC, allowing students to earn their associates degrees alongside their high school diplomas.
"This is an extraordinary achievement for our students and our academy," said Anthony Ciccotelli, director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, "To be recognized on an international stage is a testament to the hard work, talent, and dedication of our students and faculty. We are incredibly proud and excited to share our production with a global audience."
OCVTS Grunin Performing Arts Academy will be joined by Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, CA (The Drowsy Chaperone); Meadowdale High School in Lynnwood, WA (Eurydice); Parker High School in Janesville, WI (Hadestown: Teen Edition); Millard West High School in Omaha, NE (Little Women); Rock Ridge High School in Asburn, VA (The Prince of Egypt); Dubuque Senior High School in Dubuque, IA (The Revolutionists); and McKinney North High School in McKinney, TX (Suite Surrender).
However, bringing this incredible opportunity to life requires significant financial support. GPAA must raise funds to cover the costs of transporting the cast, crew, chaperones, sets, costumes, and props to Indiana from New Jersey. It is estimated that it will cost over $100,000 to make this momentous occasion possible.
To help achieve this goal, an anonymous donor has generously pledged to match up to $10,000 in donations, so GPAA is launching a comprehensive fundraising campaign, encouraging the community to support its journey.
How You Can Help:
* Snap Raise: Donate online here.
* Sponsorship Opportunities: Explore sponsorship packages at: https://forms.gle/eBNn56wsPN2eAYnW7
* Checks: Make checks payable to OCVTS and mail them to: Grunin Performing Arts Academy, 1 College Dr. Building 12, Toms River, NJ 08754
"We are calling on our community to rally behind these talented students," said Tierney Meeker, Principal of Grunin Performing Arts Academy. "Your support will not only make this dream a reality, but will also provide an invaluable experience for these young artists."
The GPAA sincerely appreciates the ongoing support of our community and is eager to represent Ocean County and New Jersey at the International Thespian Festival. Theyare confident that, with the community's generous contributions, they will showcase the magic of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on an international platform.
To learn more about the International Thespian Festival’s mainstage performance, please click here.
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