Buckhannon, W.Va.—Giddy Up! Students of Buckhannon Upshur Middle School are bringing their Spring production to downtown Buckhannon in the Colonial Arts Center. This show will be the first of many events the CAC is hosting as a preview season leading to its grand opening this fall.  This group of twenty young artists, aged sixth thru eighth grade, have been rehearsing four days after school since February to prepare for the first theatre production produced by the school in years.

Cowgirls Don’t Ride Zebras, written and based on the original book by Chris Leyva, tells the story of three friends—Jack, Cassandra, and Penny—as they go on a journey to find the perfect animal companion for Penny, who dreams of being a cowgirl.  In addition to the play, audience members will get to hear poetry readings and see some improvisational skits from the students. 

“We are so thrilled to welcome Buckhannon Upshur Middle School performers to the Colonial Arts Center during our Preview Season,” said John Waltz, CAC President of Board of Directors.  “When we dreamed of this space, we envisioned young artists practicing collaboration, improvisation, and creativity.   To see these qualities come to life with a new theatre program like this speaks to the synergy between the City and Board of Education and we expect these types of life-changing experiences for years to come.” 

Students will have two public performances on Friday and Saturday, April 21 and 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the CAC Main Hall. Admission is free for all ages, and donations for the BUMS Theatre Program will be greatly appreciated.

“I am incredibly lucky to have been able to watch this amazing group of students grow over the course of the semester,” said Jakob Spruce, director of the production and Fine Arts Facilitator for Upshur County Schools.  “Many hours of hard work and dedication have been put into this show, and we are anxious to share it with all of our friends, family, and community. A huge thank you to those who have supported us along the way, including parents, Ms. Leput and the staff at Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School, West Virginia Wesleyan College, and the City of Buckhannon!”

This is the first of many collaborative arts events for Upshur County students; with the partnership between the Upshur County Board of Education and the Colonial Arts Center, there are many more exciting arts opportunities to come all throughout Buckhannon.