Golf tourney slated to help Harlem drama department

Members of the Harlem High School drama troupe are known for their energy and creativity on the stage. But when the lights go out, and the curtain goes down, they continue to show initiative and imagination.

Members and supporters of the Harlem High drama department have come up with a variety of ways to raise funds for the upcoming drama trip to Scotland, including a golf tournament Friday.

The tournament, cosponsored by The Harlem High Drama Boosters and The Fox's Lair, will begin at 1 p.m. at the Pointe South Golf Course with a cookout and auction at the Fox's Lair, 349 Telfair St. in Augusta, after the golf.

The proceeds will benefit the Harlem High students, who last year secured an invitation to the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland.

So far, the group has raised $90,000 of the $120,000 needed to fund the educational trip abroad for 30 students, said Roy Lewis, drama teacher.

"If 'all the world's a stage' ... then Harlem High theater students will embrace this experience by performing in front of the world, representing themselves, their families, their school and the Harlem community," Lewis said.

Officials from the American High School Theatre Festival chose Harlem High and 11 other drama groups to represent the United States in the event, the world's largest drama festival. Among the schools, Harlem High had the most recommendations based on achievements, activities and involvement in the arts and in the local community.

Contributing to the local community is a key aspect of the Harlem drama department, which offers six to nine public performances each year that support charities and scholarships to seniors pursuing theater education, Lewis said.

The group also supports local churches, provides costumes to other drama groups, offers guidance to middle schoolers interested in drama and is visible at athletic events.

"We make theater accessible to everybody," Lewis said said.

The 10-day theater event in Scotland will give students four chances to perform their selection, Babes in Arms, in front of an international audience.

Harlem High will present the event locally May 13-15. Supporters of the Harlem High theater program have been fund-raising for the past year in preparation for the trip. The upcoming golf tournament will continue those efforts, Lewis said.

"We expect the tournament to be well attended," said Carol Ayer, a coordinator, who noted there is still space to sign up.

Entry fees are $50 per golfer, which includes course fees, trophies, a cookout and auction admission. Those who choose not to golf can attend the cookout and auction for $20. Trophies will recognize first and second place teams, men's and women's longest drive and closest to the pin.

To sign up, contact Ayer at 306-5662 before 4 p.m. or 828-5600 after 4 p.m.

The Fox's Lair holds the annual golf tournament to support neighborhood causes or charities.