Not Your Grandma’s Science Fair

By Colt Antle
​
On Sept. 19, 2024, the Pueblo County High School advanced drama club held an improv murder mystery dinner fundraiser in the commons area. There guests were served a meal of pepperoni dip sticks while the cast performed an improvised story both for and with the audience. 

The narrative in question was a tale about a middle school science fair where the science teacher accidentally inhaled some chemicals from one of the nearby experiments and died because of it. Though it was later revealed that she just ended up passing out from the chemicals, not dying.
 
One cast member Jackson Dilka, junior, had this to say about the event, “It was a lot of fun, although a bit nerve racking because a big portion of the show was coming up with something on the fly to try and make people laugh.” 

Dilka has a bit of history with the drama club, having done the spring musical just a year prior and with plans to audition for the upcoming fall play, “Peter and the Star Catcher”. “I was super excited going in. I've been an audience member for the murder mystery before and it was a blast, so I knew being one of the actors and getting to engage with the audience would be a treat.” 

I aksed, “Is this something you could see yourself doing again?” 

“One hundred percent yes. Getting to perform in front of a big audience with my friends was an incredibly fun experience and I would definitely recommend joining the advanced drama class to anyone who wants to try it.” said Dilka.
The annual murder mystery fundraiser is something that is looked forward to by everyone in attendance. It is an experience that every cast member, both new and old, cherishes and views as a valuable experience. This is a view that Dilka shares as well, “I think we all did an amazing job. PCHS has by far the best drama program in all of Pueblo and that is in large part thanks to our amazing actors.”