H.O.P.E was founded in 2007 by two high school students who had a dream of having their own theater company. When Robbie Soto and Dustin Perrott found out their high school secretary was extremely ill and would not be returning they wanted to do a show in her name. They called it "Rockin' at The High School Hop". It was a music review, highlighting the best American music across the decades. The cast consisted of 10 students from North High. The dynamic duo went off together, attending Alderson Broaddus College. During finals, Perrott and Soto wanted to do something charitable for their home town. They decided to do another show, bringing back the same concept of a musical review. Song and dance became the groups trade mark. They worked hard after finals to prepare a show and finally held auditions at their Alma Mater, North High. Realizing that there was more talent out there than just their high school, the two decided to expand and call friends they knew from other schools to come audition. Students came from all over Washington County. The show was cast and ready to go, but without a place to perform! The group rehearsed for hours in the homes of their generous performers. At this point they had no idea what to be called and they needed a name soon! They all came up with 'The D&R Theater Group', named after the founders. After looking for months the group had a breakthrough and were able to book the Bridge of Life Church for one night. They ended their second season, having accrued over $1,500 for Corey Kitchen! The following Summer they were back for yet another music review and had changed the groups name to Performers for H.O.P.E. Soto was contacted about another family who needed help and decided to do the only thing he saw fit: audition and showcase another musical review! However, this time was different: Auditions drew actors and actresses from across the Tri-State as their show would now take place at Hagerstown Community College. The cast included students from every single Highschool in Washington County and the Waynesboro area as well! Knowing little about each other, the willful group got to work and never looked back! The Choreographer was Beth Repasi and the show was directed by both Soto and Zack Lynn, with Producer Colt Smith. The show was a success and in one night they raised $1,000 for the Forsythe Family! The group continues to do more and more to bring high energy and quality performances to the stages of the Tri-State Area in order to help others. If you are interested in being a part of the Performers of H.O.P.E, please check out the audition page for scheduled times and locations. We always welcome new faces, veterans and rookie actors alike!  |  Backstage  Group Photo 2008  Dance Captain and Founder, Dustin Perrott, Takes Charge of Practice.  The Cast From 2008 With Corey Kitchen  Working Through Some Dance Steps  Taking a Break From Rehearsal |
