An Eliot Arts production (File Photo – gofundme)
On January 7, 2025, fire took more than a building.
By Rena Kurlander
When the Eaton Fire swept through Altadena last January, it left more than scorched earth in its wake. The blaze destroyed Eliot Arts Magnet Middle School and upended the lives of countless families, with many students and staff losing their homes along with the campus that had long been a creative sanctuary.
In the months that followed, grief could have silenced the performing arts program. Instead, it amplified it.
Under the leadership of drama teacher Mollie Lief and dance teacher Billy Rugh, Eliot Arts students channeled their heartbreak into their annual spring musical, Shrek JR. Rehearsals became a refuge. Songs became therapy. Dance numbers became declarations of resilience.
Last April, those students stepped onto the stage of the renowned Ahmanson Theatre to perform the production, an extraordinary milestone in an already extraordinary year. Audiences saw a lively, humorous show filled with heart. What they may not have seen was the deeper story: young performers who had endured profound loss choosing to tell a tale about courage, friendship, and belonging.
Teachers describe the students as passionate, hardworking, funny, empathetic, and brave. In the face of devastation, they committed themselves to creativity. They showed up for rehearsals while navigating displacement and uncertainty. They memorized lines and choreography while rebuilding their lives. For many, the stage became a place where loss loosened its grip, even if only for a few hours each day.
As the school year drew to a close, students were asked to dream big about what might come next. Their answer was unanimous: they wanted to go to New York City and experience Broadway.
The proposed trip, titled Eliot Arts Broadway Bound, would take 60 middle school students to New York City to see three Broadway shows, participate in professional workshops, and explore the city’s cultural landmarks. For many students, it would mark their first time leaving California. Educators say the experience would not only expand their artistic horizons but also serve as a powerful symbol of hope after a year defined by loss.
To make the trip possible for every student, the school community has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise scholarship funds. The money will be distributed to families who cannot afford the full cost of tuition, ensuring no child is excluded because of financial hardship.
Several local fundraisers have already been held, but organizers say additional support is needed to reach the goal. They emphasize that the trip represents more than sightseeing or entertainment, it is about restoration. After losing a campus and, for some, their homes, these students are seeking inspiration, connection, and the chance to see what is possible beyond their circumstances.
Community supporters say investing in the students’ journey is a way to affirm their resilience. In a year marked by fire and displacement, Eliot Arts students chose to sing. Now, with the help of their broader community, they hope to sit beneath the bright lights of Broadway—reminded that even after profound loss, dreams can still take center stage.
Those who wish to contribute to the Eliot Arts Broadway Bound scholarship fund can visit the campaign page at this link.
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