Student run theatre group celebrates fifth anniversary

Two young girls, with big hearts, a lot of creativity and a love for theatre, have transformed the word fundraiser.

Brittany and Monisha Bhayana were 9 and 10 years old, respectively, when they started directing plays to raise money for The Ronald McDonald House.

Now as teenagers the two are producing shows worthy of being performed on a college stage.

The fifth anniversary of the Bhayana Theatre Group was celebrated in August.

Its first performance, "Check Under the Bed," took place in the basement of the Bhayana's home. There were no props or scenery, and the scripts were in the actor's hands.

The Bhayana sisters gathered their friends and family members as the cast.

Five years later the productions attract 300 viewers and have moved to a stage at the University at Buffalo. The productions feature youths from 9 to 16 years old.

The hours of rehearsal and performing are not thankless. Proceeds are donated to The Ronald McDonald House, which helps families of sick and injured children receiving care in area hospitals.

To date, the Bhayana Theatre Group has donated more than $3,000 and gift certificates for businesses and restaurants.

"You should all be very proud of yourselves, both for your creativity and generosity. You truly make a difference in the lives of our families," Sally S. Vincent, executive director for the Ronald Mc- Donald House, stated in a letter to the group.

The girls write, produce, direct and take part in all the shows. They fund them by having various sales and collecting change.

"This event truly is a showcase of the passion and desire of a couple of young adults proving to the world that 'kids can make a difference,'" Brittany and Monisha stated in a letter announcing their fifth anniversary season.