Senior rolls with the show

When this spring’s production of “Diary of Anne Frank” goes on stage at the Marion County Center for Arts in April, Cody W. Spencer wants to be front and center.

Michel Northsea

Cody Spence

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He envisions himself in the role of Otto Frank, father of Anne Frank, but tryouts aren’t over with.

If he doesn’t get that particular role, he’ll take on production duties or other tasks that need to be done on stage or behind the scenes. Most recently, he was the camera man for the group’s production of Hairspray.

Spencer admits he is still waiting for his “big break.”

In a sense, Spencer and a dozen of his fellow students got a “big break.” The drama group at Marion County’s magnet school for the arts at West Port High School were invited to perform at the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

Nominated by community leaders, West Port was one of 48, out of 2,000 nominated, schools selected for the festival.  The group is the only one going from Florida.

To raise the necessary $90,000 for the trip, students have sold drinks at concession stands, held special performances including one that involved howling at the moon and are currently selling discounts cards for $10. The cards give the bearer discounts at 36 locations, many eating establishments, in Ocala.

Spencer has assisted with each of those efforts.

When he is not at school he enjoys playing video games, watching movies with friends and riding bikes. He is especially fond of driving his car.

“It’s freeing to be able to get in the car and go somewhere, even if it’s running an errand,” he said.

And there have been times he has driven to an audition for commercials and an Ace Ventura movie at his agent’s request. So far, nothing has emerged.

Spencer is a senior and wants to continue acting in the future. If that dream doesn’t work out then he plans on become a forensics specialist.

According to Janet Shelley, drama teacher, the group has raised half of the necessary funds for the two-week trip. Working with a group that specializes in student travel, the drama students have, so far, been able to make all the necessary installments.

As the trip nears, those installment payments run in the range of $14,000 now instead of several thousands as they were in the early planning for the trip.

Donations are appreciated for the August trip and may be mailed to West Port High School, Drama Department, 3733 S.W. 80th Ave., Ocala, Fl., 34481.  For information on getting a discount card, call the school at 291-4000.