Shearer Elementary’s latest theatrical production will allow more than 70 students to show their true “spots,” but as dalmatians instead of leopards.

The school will present a unique version of “101 Dalmatians KIDS,” the culmination of months of hard work and dedication by students, music teacher Collin Berner and the rest of the staff.

Auditions for the show began in the fall and the cast includes students from kindergarten to fourth grades.

The show hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Campbell Junior High School. Tickets are $6 for adults or $4 for children four and younger. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Shearer Elementary School or at the door.

We hope to see a packed house with the community coming out strong to support the students.

The arts have come under fire in recent years as many public school districts look for ways to tighten the belt and trim expenses. We applaud the Clark County Public Schools for their commitment to keeping the arts alive right here in Winchester.

The benefits from having school productions like “101 Dalmatians” are nearly infinite but at the top of the list would the fact that it gives students confidence performing in front of others, instills a love for the fine arts and offers an extracurricular activity that could create the spark inside of the next Broadway or silver screen star.

We know Mr. Berner and many others go above and beyond the call of duty to make these productions smashing successes.

All Clark County students deserve the best possible chance to succeed in life and we truly believe that exposure to theater and other arts help build that foundation.