In 2023, the WHS Theatre Boosters were founded as a local, non-profit organization that is aimed at giving back to the Woonsocket High School theatre program. The Woonsocket High School theatre program has long been a local staple for high school students at WHS. For more than 20 years, musicals, dance benefits, and cabaret shows have been put on stage for the local community to enjoy and to provide students in this urban community with a means to access theatre arts. As the years progressed and the costs of materials rose, the burden was placed back onto the students and faculty of WHS. Despite having always fundraised some of the money needed to put on these incredible shows, the students at Woonsocket High School realized they were facing a new challenge. In 2022, the director of the theatre program, Jennifer Maiello, had an idea- an alumni benefit show. She realized she had over 20 years of alumni, parents, and faculty who could help create a show where ticket sales could help cover the rising costs of her spring musical, The Addams Family. This is when the initial idea of the WHS Theatre Boosters came to life. For the next year, Mrs. Maiello relied on the support of her alumni and their families to make her students' dreams a reality. It was after her spring show in 2023, Hairspray, when a group of alumni realized they could more to help than just dance and sing- that is when the WHS Theatre Boosters was born. For over a year, the WHS Theatre Boosters has focused on creating fundraising opportunities, organizing events, and providing the students with necessary funds to continue to put on the fantastic shows that are now a staple in the Woonsocket community. Our organization's goal is to allow these high school students to learn and enjoy all that the world of theatre has to offer- which is much more than the sound of applause following an amazing show. The WHS Theatre Boosters is focused on bringing our local community together, supporting the arts, and providing opportunities to children that will make a lasting impact.