One of Deerfield's most salient features is the array of fantastic extra-curricular experiences it offers students. From summer community service programs abroad to Academy-sponsored speakers such as the renowned historian Howard Zinn, the number of unique and interesting opportunities open for Deerfield students is growing quickly. To top off this list, Deerfield was recently accepted into the American High School Theatre Festival that is held in Edinburgh, Scotland, every summer.

The roughly thirty students who will comprise the cast and crew of Deerfield's spring 2002 theatre production will travel in August 2002 to London and then to Edinburgh to put on four performances of the play for an audience of students from all over the world. Deerfield was one of the 481 public and private schools across the country invited to apply to the program. It, along with the Walnut Hill School of Performing Arts, was selected to represent Massachusetts.

John Reese, director of Deerfield's theatre department, has not yet selected the piece to be performed, but has some definite ideas. "I think it will be something really American," said Mr. Reese, who disclosed that he was considering a interesting play based on the writings of James Thurber.

Though the voyage will take place several months after the class of 2002 will have graduated, participation will be open to any student attending Deerfield during the 2001-2002 school year, provided they are cast in the spring production.

As it now stands, the trip would cost upwards of $3,000 per student. However, one of Mr. Reese's main goals for this program is to make it truly available to any student interested, regardless of financial need. An important and exciting opportunity such as this one should not be exclusive to those who can afford the cost. Mr. Reese is hoping to stimulate interest in this project not only in the student body, but in the alumni as well.

In preparation for the program, Mr. Reese will spend one week at this summer's festival to study the event first hand. Though being admitted one year does not guarantee admission the next year, this program has the potential to become an important and valuable enhancement to Deerfield's theatre department.