Law students take the stage to raise funds for women, children’s shelter
University of Alberta law students are trading textbooks for whimsical costumes in an annual show that will raise thousands of dollars for a local charity.
“We do social commentary on the entire experience of being a law student and a lawyer,” said Law Show executive director Beth Warcholak on Saturday.
The production Monsters LLP, inspired by the 2001 animated comedy Monsters Inc., follows last year’s show dubbed Alice in Wonderlaw, and previously Ferris Beullaw’s Day Off and Harry Lawter.
“It’s always a parody of a wellknown story,” said Warcholak, a third-year law student.
The precedent was set in 1996 when Law Show was founded by Steve Blackman, who was recently nominated for a Primetime Emmy for his work as executive producer of the television series Fargo.
Proceeds from the theatrical spectacle, run by more than 200 students, are donated to a new charity every three years.
This year’s recipient is WIN House, which provides women and children escaping domestic abuse with a safe haven and emergency services.
“We also run a silent auction during the intermission and get donations from all over the city and even Calgary,” Warcholak added.
Since its creation, Law Show has raised more than $300,000 for local charities.
The charity for the past three years was Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS), a non-profit that helps at-risk youth.
“We want to make it a fun show for everyone,” Warcholak said, emphasizing that the show builds a sense of camaraderie among students.
“It’s such a great experience.” This year’s overall message is the importance of healthy, balanced lives for lawyers — “it produces better work and is better for the client.”
Tickets for the show at the Myer Horowitz Theatre go on sale Monday online.
Tickets will also be available at the door for 7 p.m. shows Feb. 2-3.