North Delta’s Rayne Inkster may be just eleven years old, but on top of being an emerging playwright and director, she’s also a budding philanthropist.
Since the middle of June, she and her cast of 18 other children have been hard at work in her garage and play room, rehearsing the play The Witch Who Wished She Was Santa Claus.
For the Grade 7 student, who wrote the script, the production is anything but work.
“It’s fun and I get to hang out with my friends all summer,” she says. “This is my summer vacation.”
The play, based on an unpublished children’s book her mom wrote, follows a young witch who realizes she just doesn’t like who she is anymore.
The cast of eight- to 12-year-olds will bring the show to their make-shift carport stage – complete with a full set and props – for three shows this Saturday (July 19) at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Admission is $3 and there’ll be snacks and non-alcoholic beverages available for a dollar each.
There’ll also be an opening magic act by Rayne’s brother Dawson and his buddy Chase.
But if you think these creative kids are pocketing the proceeds for a little summer fun, you’d be very wrong.
All the profits will be donated to B.C. Children’s Hospital (BCCH) and a scholarship for the Bright Stars Program at EJS School of Fine Arts.
This is Rayne’s second foray into theatrical fundraising. Last year, she and her crew staged Just Another Fairytale, raising about $500 for a disadvantaged child to attend theatre classes.
This year, after reading an article about a child close to her age dying of cancer, Rayne decided to direct some funds to BCCH.
To reserve a spot at the play or contribute to Rayne’s causes, email her mom Nadine at dmrd101@gmail.com