Cue the applause.

What once appeared to be the end of theatre at White House High School has transformed into one of the community’s biggest success stories.

Just one year ago, the school officially had no theatre program in place. Today, the newly rebuilt program is celebrating 10 nominations in Tennessee’s prestigious Spotlight Awards — often referred to as the “Tony Awards for high school theatre.”

For theatre director Christopher Wiley, the turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable.

“When I came in, my goal was to really make it a White House community-style program,” Mr. Wiley said. “We have a lot of talent here in White House, but students are constantly having to travel somewhere else to perform. I wanted to create something here for them.”

Mr. Wiley became involved after choir director Bethany Stepleton reached out, explaining that students and parents were upset about losing theatre opportunities at the school. What followed was an after-school effort built almost entirely through community support, student commitment and local partnerships.

An early interest meeting drew more than 30 students eager to help revive the program.

“That was incredible because it wasn’t during school, and most of them didn’t know me at all,” Mr. Wiley said.

Several students who had considered stepping away from theatre altogether decided to give the program another chance.

For student Jay Dixon, the uncertainty surrounding the future of the program was heartbreaking.

“I had known I wanted to be a part of the program since elementary school,” Jay shared. “It felt like everything I had worked for was slowly crumbling around me.”

But instead of disappearing, the program found new life through the determination of students, parents and local supporters.

The group’s first major production, a murder mystery dinner theatre, quickly became a community-wide event. All three nights sold out, with organizers adding extra chairs to accommodate growing crowds.

“The support from the community has just been insane,” Mr. Wiley said.

That support extended far beyond ticket sales. Local businesses and families rallied behind the students, helping the program raise nearly $13,000 through fundraising efforts. The funds allowed the theatre group to cover production costs, licensing fees and participation in the Spotlight Awards program.

The success of the fundraiser and productions gave students an opportunity many never expected.

Only 40 schools across Tennessee are selected to participate in the Spotlight Awards each year. Despite being a first-year after-school program competing against long-established theatre departments, White House High School earned 10 nominations.

“I honestly wasn’t expecting it,” Mr. Wiley said. “We don’t have class time to devote to productions like many other schools do, so for our students to receive 10 nominations is incredible.”

While the nominations are exciting, Mr. Wiley says the biggest accomplishment has been rebuilding a program students can believe in again.

From parents and local businesses to volunteers and audience members, the White House community helped turn a program once at risk of disappearing into one now being recognized across the state.

“It’s amazing,” Mr. Wiley said. “This community showed these students that their talents matter.”

Editor's Note: Stay Positive News congratulates every student and school nominated in this year's Spotlight Awards. Special gratitude to White House Heritage High School for sharing Mr. Wiley with WHHS. This is truly a community victory. For a full list of schools and students nominated, check out the website.