photo by: Joselyn King

Set preparation continues for the upcoming student production of “Into the Woods” at Wheeling Park High School. In front, from left, are art teacher and set designer Russ Schultz; and assistant theater coach Michael Romick. In back is volunteer Kate Romick.

WHEELING — When Wheeling Park High School theatre students take the audience “Into the Woods” next month, the trip is going to be an environmentally green one.

As many as 29 trees made from upcycled materials will line the stage when students deliver a performance of “Into the Woods” May 2-4 in the J.B. Chambers Performing Arts Center at WPHS.

Shows start at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for children, and youths age five and younger get free admittance. Ohio County Schools students also get free admission.

“I consider that a steal in the world of theater for the caliber of performance these students are going to deliver,” said Katie Redd, head theatre coach and director of the show. “And the set is just … wow. Come see and support our theatre kids.”

The idea for environmentally green trees as part of the set was the idea of WPHS art teacher Russ Schultz, who is serving as set designer for the student production.

Schultz explained the “trees” started life as differing size plastic soda bottles that were cut, stacked and shaped into the form of a tree. Plastic grocery bags and newspapers were applied, then covered with Plaster of Paris and painted.

Students assisted in the work, he noted.

The same process was used in creating a life-size horse for Prince Charming during the production. There also is a colossal mask for a giant made of papier mache on the stage, as well as the giant’s massive foot.

Schultz noted there “are so many bottles” that have been used in the set design, and many others that weren’t and are awaiting purpose. He estimated 2,000 to 3,000 bottles are part of the set, but he “lost count.”

Many of them were collected by the school’s “Green Team” club sponsored by science teacher Jennifer Hempelmann, and by students and families at WPHS. Others came from the Ohio County Solid Waste Authority, and the bottles that remain will be returned there.

Set pieces often are repurposed from year-to-year, noted Julie Schultz — ILC Coordinator and innovation/graduation coach at WPHS who is serving as creative director/assistant theater coach for the production.

“We like to reuse things,” she said. “There are so many shows that have a horse in it, and usually it’s a cut-out, flat horse. I wanted to make a fat one that could stick around for a bit and be reused.

“He is going to be here a while.”

Many of the crafted trees also might find a home, Julie Schultz continued. At least one local business, Under the Elder Tree, has expressed interest in adding a nature theme to its decor, and she expects other businesses might want the tree creations.

There are also some donated plastic Christmas trees in the woodlands mix that were donated by the Ohio County Solid Waste Authority. In addition, Zambito Flooring donated green grass carpeting.

Others helping to bring “Into the Woods” to the stage at WPHS include Michael Romick, assistant theater coach; Chris Markle, technical director; Joyce Jingle, musical director; and Cheryl Pompeo, choreographer.