The cast of “Medium Rare” takes a quick break from practice for a photo. The play will open at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10.

WARSAW— Local students are taking their love for the theater and combining it with their mission to enrich the lives of others. Students at Lakeview Middle School will present a theatrical production this evening, Thursday, Dec. 10, and tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 11, to benefit Fellowship Missions in their fight against homelessness in Kosciusko County.

This is the second year Lakeview students, under the direction of seventh and eighth grade language arts teacher and drama club director Grace McDillon, will put on the seasonal play in support of the shelter. The project began with the good intentions of Macy Miller, who was an eighth grade student at the time.

Miller, who had volunteered every Friday at the shelter since the start of her eighth-grade year, was inspired to donate more than just her time to the organization. When approached by McDillon as to the possibility of performing a play to benefit a local charity, Miller passionately campaigned for the shelter to receive funds. Miller’s enthusiasm and dedication to the organization ultimately swayed McDillon to select the shelter as the beneficiary of a play conducted by students at the middle school.

This year, student interest in the production spiked according to McDillon. Over 40 students auditioned for the school play with 25 selected to perform the main show, “Medium Rare” and an intermission skit.

The show follows Harry and Bunny Polk as they discover something unexpected in their newly purchased home — a demanding, nerve-racking old woman. Grandma Nina, despite her family (the former owners of the home) selling the lot and moving away, refuses to leave the property. The couple are taken on a comedic ride as they attempt to endure and rid themselves of the old woman.

The play will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, and Friday, Dec. 11, in the Lakeview Elementary auditorium. Admittance for adults is $5, $3 for students and staff and free admission for volunteers and associates of Fellowship Missions. All proceeds raised will directly benefit Fellowship Missions and will be used to help supply the shelter and offset operating costs.

The shelter’s operating hours are 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Sunday. For more information, call Lane at (574) 371-6448 or visit fellowshipmissions.net. For a ride to the shelter, or if shelter is needed after 8 p.m., call (574) 268-9555 or email [email protected], or find Fellowship Missions on Facebook.