Project Hope

Do Not Silence Us

A benefit performance for the Washington Innocence Project.

Project Hope is a class-based project led by the students of the Intermediate/Advanced Theatre Class. Every year for the past 13 years, using the influence of the theatre arts, the class has brought attention to societal issues that affect not just our local community, but other communities all over the nation - and even the world. In addition, 100% of the money raised is given to a hand-picked charity that is related to the selected topic.

Last year, Project Hope aimed to raise awareness for women's rights and donated to the local nonprofit charity Women Helping Women Fund.

This year, out topic is "Do Not Silence Us". It is an ode to victims in our school, neighborhoods and state who feel persecuted, ignored or silenced for their beliefs or way of life.

Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible in response to the Red Scare of the 40's and 50's when many Americans lost their livelihood and reputations when they were accused of being Communists, similarly to the Salem Witch Trials. There are still those in our country that have been silenced or victimized for their beliefs or suspected crimes. The Washington Innocence Project aims to help those unjustly incarcerated find justice and confront injustice in our justice system.