By Christian DiMartino
Typically, when a patron goes to see a play, he or she pays for the ticket, walks in, finds a seat, sits back, relaxes, and enjoys the show. The experience remains the same at FC’s theatre, but there is another option: a VIP ticket.
When a theater-goer pays for a VIP ticket, “you get treated so well, you wanna come back for more, and should, ” said FC Star Booster President Cyndy Mazer. The Star Boosters volunteer time to support the theater department and theater director Robbie Steiner in the productions. The board is comprised of parents of the theater students.
For only six additional dollars, the audience member is guaranteed a seat in the first four rows. Then, at intermission, VIP patrons are admitted into the lounge, which is decorated for the theme of whatever the current play is, where they have appetizers, refreshments, and desserts. There are around 125 spots, and according to Steiner, they typically sell out.
A lot of preparation and planning goes into the VIP experience.
“There is a team of ladies with a chairperson [Mazer] that organize the food and drinks for the VIP lounge. We try to make it special for the theatre goers by having fancy hors d’oeuvers and a more inviting atmosphere,” said Star Booster member Sharon Barreras. She has been decorating the VIP room for the past five years. “I’ve been an interior designer for 30 years, so it’s a really wonderful creative outlet to hopefully inspire those that come to the theatre productions,” said Barreras.
“They work during intermission to make sure that our guests are comfortable and having a good time,” said Mazer.
Parent volunteer time is instrumental to make the VIP room happen.
“We have a huge number of expenses, so it’s [the work of the volunteers] very helpful to help offset our expenses,” Steiner said.
Steiner and the volunteers strive to make the experience like no other high school play.
“Without all of the contributions and the many people that support the theatre department year after year, we wouldn’t be able to make it as amazing as it is. Robbie Steiner has done a tremendous job working with all of the parents in his first production. Hats off to Mr. Steiner,” Barreras said.
Patrons planning to see this weekend’s play “The Music Man” could buy a VIP ticket for one the following performances: Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.
“Everybody should be a VIP at least once, because it’s a good time,” said Mazer.