For more on TOTS-Eat, go to www.schooltheatre.org/programs/totseat.
Theater is about much more than entertaining people, says Bryce Payne, a senior at Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs. It’s also about community. Throughout October, Payne and some of his fellow thespians have been working to help feed hungry people in Cobb County by participating in Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat, or TOTS-Eat. The event, sponsored by the International Thespian Society, encourages high school theater students nationwide to collect donations for their local food bank or charity. Hillgrove High’s students have joined forces with those from Harrison, Allatoona and North Cobb high schools. Anyone interested in contributing to the drive can drop donations off at these schools through Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Q: How long have you been involved in theater?
A: Since third grade. At Hillgrove, I have done a lot of tech work and I am currently helping to build the set for our upcoming performance. Acting is my strongest suit. Hillgrove has really helped me grow not only as a performer but as a contributing member of the Cobb County community.
Q: What do you like about the theater?
A: The level of self-expression. It is all based on how much you are willing to devote to your performance, your art and your craft. The people in theater care so much about the work and that is what makes it inspiring to be in the performing arts world. And at Hillgrove, we not only look at what our community can do for us, but also what we can do for our community.
Q: How did you get involved in the food drive?
A: This year, our thespian troupe wanted to step forward and show that Hillgrove has a lot of care and passion for our community. There are also a lot of thespian troupes in Cobb County and, we knew if we pulled together, we really could make a huge difference. We reached out to Harrison, Allatoona and North Cobb. Together, we represent people from all different walks of the county.
Q: How is the food drive going?
A: We have gotten a lot of encouragement from our administrators and teachers, who have let us put boxes in their rooms. On Oct. 23, we went around to three neighborhoods and collected 291 food items. That was an amazing experience. Generally people were really receptive. One man who is moving took us to his pantry and said take whatever you want. Occasionally there was the grouchier resident. We got the word out either way.
Q: Where is all that food going?
A: To the Center for Family Resources for their "Thanks for Giving" drive which gives families items so they can prepare a Thanksgiving meal.
Q: Have you ever done anything like this before?
A: This has been an experience for me and I am hearing the same thing from the others involved. This is very student driven, from organizing students to talking to service clubs. At times, it has been stressful, but it has been a lot of fun. We are really excited to see how we end up.
Q: Has this opened your eyes to the issue of hunger?
A: Kids often say, "I want to end global hunger." There are people who need food right here in Cobb County.
Q: Do you think there are kids in your school who are hungry?
A: There are people who don't have to worry about food. At the same time, there are kids in our community in need. You see tons of students walking the halls but you don't know what is going on with them.
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