On Wednesday, January 14, the Cle Elum-Roslyn High School (CERHS) Drama Club presented 13 Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview by Ian McWethy, produced by special arrangement with Playscripts. The student-led production drew just over 170 audience members across two evening performances at 6:00 and 7:30 p.m.
The CERHS Drama Club is an ASB club advised by Charli Harper and led by a dedicated student leadership team. Officers include President of Communication Cienna Smith, President of Production and Director Maya Nielsen, Co-Vice Presidents Rylee Keller and Dexter Williams, Treasurer Delaney Berry, and Secretary Ayla Perez.
The play was directed by Maya Nielsen, who is highly involved in theatre arts opportunities throughout Kittitas County. She is also competing in the Musical Theatre Performance: Solo category for the 2026 Thespy qualifier hosted by the Washington Thespians.
This production marked an important milestone for the program. In October 2025, The Suncadia Fund for Community Enhancement awarded a $4,156 grant to the CERHS Drama Club to support the purchase of sound and lighting equipment and materials to enhance the experience and quality of student practices and productions. This was the club’s first performance using new wireless microphones, speakers, a power mixer, and LED spotlights.
The program has grown steadily since April 2024, when the Education Foundation for Cle Elum-Roslyn awarded a $1,450.49 grant to fund the construction of stage flats, which serve as backdrop pieces for productions. These investments have helped expand both the scope and quality of student work.
Community and district support for the growing program remains strong. School board member Claire Nicholls attended the performance and shared her appreciation, writing, “I’m so happy that drama is once again part of what we offer students in our district. The arts are incredibly important, and they bring together a diverse group of students in a way that few other opportunities can.”
The Cle Elum-Roslyn School District continues to support the growth of this student-centered arts program and looks forward to future productions.