'Interesting life' to figure into future

In the orchestra, Reid Shelley plays the violin. In drama, Reid Shelley operates the sound board.  

Reid Shelly

He also writes plays. He wrote The Taste of Broadway musical revue produced last weekend at West Port High School.

Shelley, a senior at West Port High School, wrote two plays for district competition. His entry last year was rated “superior” by judges at district and was forwarded to the state level for competition.

His fellow classmates suggested he write the script for the play they would perform at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The timing wouldn’t work though and the group will do “Theophilus North” by Thornton Wilder.

But before 13 students from the drama department can perform at the Scotland festival, they must raise $90,000 to cover the costs of the trip.

Like the other students trying to get to Scotland, Shelley has written letters to family and friends, sold coupons and helped out at various fundraising events they have had.

He’ll be involved in the upcoming fundraising event, the second Howlin’ at the Moon on Saturday, Feb. 26, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Trained Dog Happy Dog Facility in Morriston. Students fromWestPort High School will perform, songs, skits and poetry with a doggy theme and the family pet is invited. Admission is by donation and a dinner for both the dog and its owner is planned.
West Port High School is Marion’s County magnet school for the arts. The school was one of 48 selected from 2,000 nominees invited to the festival. They were the only school selected from Florida for the honor.

Those are reasons why Janet Shelley, drama teacher at the school and Reid’s mother, hopes enough money can be raised to make the trip reality for all 13 students.

“I keep praying that people will see what a great opportunity this is for my students and come forward to help us make it happen,” Janet Shelley said.

And for the younger Shelley, who imagines himself “living a life that is always interesting” it too is a great opportunity. He hopes to escape sinking into “dullness that people often do simply because it is comfortable.”

Once Reid Shelley graduates from high school he, plans on going to New College of Florida for a liberal arts degree. He will focus on literature and music for that degree, with a plan to study literature in graduate school.

Shelley says he sees music as an interesting art form because of what it allows the musician to do.

“It allows a person to use mathematics in a creative manner that hits the subconscious. Often the listener is unaware of how complex mathematical systems are what’s creating their enjoyment,” he said. 

Besides his activities as a technician with the drama group, Shelley plays the guitar “somewhat,” is a member of the school academic team and the Interact Club.

Those wishing to support the drama students can submit donations to West Port High School, Drama Department, 3733 S.W. 80th Ave., Ocala, Fl., 34481.  For information about the school, call 291-4000.