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that our students participate and create everything in our program on and off the stage. Additionally, we are unique in that we find a place for everyone, and we welcome students as they are. Often the theatre at RAMS is mentioned as a space that is the safest to the students who participate, and we put much effort into building a community, and working towards students learning how to make others feel included and valued. We also support the development of High School student leaders by bringing them onboard to "intern" with members of the production team. In the past few years we have had high schoo] student interns take on the roles of Sound Design, Lighting Design, Set Building Support, Props Support, Choreography, Piano Accompaniment, and Stage Management." The team puts on three productions every school year, which means that more weekdays than not, students have theatre after schooL In all ways, the quality of the production surpasses one's expectations for a middle school show, making involvement in RAMS theatre a legitimate source of pride for participants and their loved ones. Ninety-six middle school students participated in the March's entertaining "Gone with the Breeze." The large cast acted, sang and danced. Crew team members constructed an elaborate set and finessed the show's sound, lights, props and costumes. The pit orchestra provided terrific live accompaniment throughout the show. Theatre participants were asked to reflect on their choice to be involved in drama at RAMS. I will provide their powerful responses in a separate e-mail to Kari Collins. Elaborate on any special qualities (i.e. creativity, resourcefulness, stamina, diplomacy) that the nominee demonstrated in achieving this accomplishment. Please consider the exceptional demands that normally go into putting on a high quality theatrical performance: long hours (after school every day for months, a weekend dress rehearsal and a strenuous performance schedule of 4 shows within 3 days), the creativity involved in designing sets, costumes, blocking and dance, the patience required to direct 96 teenagers, and the skill it takes to foster positive group dynamics. Add to these the challenge of producing a cohesive show in which none of the kids who audition are cut from the cast. RAMS Theatre meets that challenge! All RAMS students are encouraged to participate and a role is offered to every student who auditions. This means that the team must always account for an unlcnown number of participants and, more importantly, accommodate for the needs of every student. RAMS Theater provides opportunities for actors who are totally new to the stage and sometimes even new to the English language. It also includes and accommodates for kids with physical, emotional and behavioral special needs. All this makes RAMS Theatre exceptional. Roles and lines are creatively and judiciously amended to incorporate the kids as much as possible, in the manner that best allows each to shine. The team holds all students to high performance and behavioral standards, establishing for the group a means by which everyone can wark together. It goes the extra mile by collaborating with RAMS special education teachers, such as Kirsten Simso. Sometimes the creation of behavioral contracts or enhanced communication between home and school is necessary. The goal is to establish and maintain an accommodating environment in which all kids can succeed together. Theatre is also a low cost activity that tries to eliminate socio-economic barriers to participation. To the best of the team's ability, costumes are provided for the students. This is not a program in which the fantastically elaborate costumes indicate whose family has the most wealth. Additionally noteworthy is the fact that most rehearsals work within the confines of the school's activity bus schedule. As a result, kids can participate regardless of their parents'/guardians' ability to provide after-school transportation. These substantial resource-related factors are important to the program's success with inclusion. In my recent phone conversation with Tom Krueger, he summarized the ra