From Thespian Troop to Military Troops: High School Drama Department supports Veterans at Hollywood Event
Every year, Thespian Troop 6807 of Glendale Academy makes a charitable donation to worthy causes. This year, they chose to become the highlighted sponsor for The Suzanne DeLaurentiis Pre-Oscar Gifting Suite, where many celebrities and Hollywood luminaries come together to celebrate veterans and the service they provide to our country.
Actor and drama teacher, Matthew Payne, who is the leader and only faculty for the twenty-five high-schoolers who compose Thespian Troop 6807, comes from a long line of veterans. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all in the military. His father served in Vietnam and his grandfather fought in the battle of Normandy. He and Glendale Academy Chaplain and actor, Anthony Paschal, were honored guests and represented Troop 6807 at the gifting suite because of their support.
The event itself, which was held Oscar weekend at the luxurious Intercontinental Hotel, was a gathering of veterans, celebrities, sponsors, and distinguished guests. They were treated to Halo Smile treatments, walked the red carpet, were interviewed by many media outlets, and enjoyed a three-course Italian-inspired buffet with a multitude of lavish desserts. Later in the evening, Producer Suzanne DeLaurentiis presented the veterans with plaques honoring their service.
One of Payne’s favorite moments was when the entire room paused and offered a prayer for the military men and women that were present, as well as those that were still serving overseas. “When it comes to Suzanne DeLaurentiis, her events are always top caliber,” he says. “It was professional and wonderful. I was thoroughly impressed.”
Payne continues, “I wish that people would remember our veterans on more than just Memorial Day or Veterans Day. We should stop and thank them and really appreciate what they are doing for our country and not take it for granted.”
The next project that Thespian Troop 6807 will be working on is a student-led, student-produced comedy, “You Can’t Take It With You.” Payne will be supervising and guiding them throughout the process. He says, “It’s incredible to see the amount of commitment, dedication, and hard work that the students put into the production.”
Interview by:Giovannie Espiritu, Founder, HollywoodActorsWorkshop.com
