ROSIE A ‘RISING’ STAR
“RISE,” THE NEW NBC series that revolves around a small-town high school drama program, has already changed young theater nerds’ lives — and it hasn’t even started yet.
The network, in partnership with the nonprofit Educational Theatre Foundation, gave $10,000 to 50 high schools around the U.S. this week to boost their theater programs.
In honor of the show, premiering Tuesday at 10 p.m., the donations are called R.I.S.E. America Grants — which stands for Recognizing and Inspiring Student Expression. They’re designed to help with production costs, technical equipment and other needs.
At Hastings High School in Hastingson-Husdon, N.Y., one grant recipient, it’s also providing an invaluable lesson about the power of community.
“It’s diversity in motion,” said Gerard Marciano, who teaches English and produces the school’s plays and musicals.
He told the Daily News the $10K will enable Hastings High to join forces with other area schools to put on a production “Hairspray.”
The 2003 Best Musical Tony winner follows a 1960s Baltimore teen who integrates a TV dance show and requires a more diverse cast than Hastings has on its own.
“Before this, we couldn’t do ‘Hairspray’ because of the demographics,” Marciano said. “This is a chance to reach out and to branch out.”
Based on ex-Daily News reporter Michael Sokolove’s 2013 nonfiction book “Drama High,” “Rise” is produced by Jeffrey Seller (“Hamilton”) and Jason Katims (“Friday Night Lights,” “Parenthood”). Josh Radnor stars as a devoted teacher who tries to improve the school’s lackluster theater department.
No mean feat, since the school community values sports more than kids belting showtunes.
“Rise” moves to its regular Tuesday at 9 p.m. timeslot March 20.