Help us bring the Medford Middle School Theater to life!

Update: Unfortunately, we were not awarded the grant from Massachusetts Cultural Council for $5000 to pay for the installation of the equipment and the training that kids and staff will need. Please help us to raise the remaining $5000 to ensure we can get the equipment installed. We are changing the goal from $5000 to $10000.

The Medford Middle School Theater, shared by the Andrews and McGlynn Middle Schools, has long been a space for students to express themselves through drama and music. While its acoustics remain impressive, the equipment running the theater’s sound system is outdated and in desperate need of replacement. The current setup struggles to support modern performances, making it difficult to ensure that every word and note is heard clearly.

We need your help to make a change!

In past years, parents with production experience have volunteered their time to help, but maintaining and improving the system requires more than just their efforts. We need the right equipment—and the time to train students to use it.

With guidance from Hendrik Gideonse, a veteran audio engineer and educator, we are launching a program to train an AV team of middle school students who will take charge of the technical aspects of their performances. While we have applied for a $5,000 Creative Projects for Schools Grant to cover the cost of training, we are turning to our community to help raise an additional $5,000 to purchase the new equipment and installation supplies that are desperately needed.

Our goals are twofold:

Train students in professional-level AV skills through the support of the grant.
Raise funds to upgrade the equipment, ensuring high-quality sound for future performances.

Why is this important?

The Drama Club, led by Sarah Masciave, the Drama Club Advisor and a Student Adjustment Counselor, hosts two major performances each year. The students, as supervised by Sarah, pour their hearts into every performance. However, the limitations of the theater’s sound system hold back their efforts. Your contribution can ensure that their hard work is supported with clear, high-quality sound for both speech and music.

Our fundraising goal is $5,000, which will go directly toward new equipment and installation supplies. This equipment will allow students to thrive in their performances and ensure the sustainability of the program for years to come.

Support us in building a skilled AV team and upgrading the McGlynn Theater so that the voices of Medford’s middle school students can be heard—loud and clear!

After the equipment is purchased and installed, it will be owned by the Medford Public Schools. Students, administrators and staff will only be allowed to use the equipment after completing training provided by Down By Riverside.

Medford Middle School Theater Sound System Install & Training

Help Support the Drama Club's Performances with Technical Training and Equipment

Team Members