The Department of Theatre raised more than $2,000 at a benefit concert Saturday for hospitalized piano accompanist Laura Logan, who was seriously injured in a car accident Homecoming week.

Adam Hester, professor of theatre and department chair, said he and the rest of the department staff organized the concert as a way to use their talents in support of their fellow performer.

“As artists, we want to respond to a need, but we’re not equipped to provide medical assistance or counseling or those kinds of things people need in a crisis,” Hester said. “But what we can do is try to help make sense of things and offer comfort and even sometimes laughter where some relief might be needed.”

The theatre students jumped at the opportunity to serve the woman who serves them continually. Nearly 30 theatre students gave up the majority of their time to practice new pieces and polish previously performed numbers for the concert.

“She is such a giving person, and when we heard about her accident, we all wanted to help,” said Brynn Smith, junior musical theatre major from Fort Worth. “And why not help by using the talents God has given us?”

The final number, adapted from the musical number “Hello, Dolly” was appropriately changed to “Hello, Laura.”

Although Logan was unable to attend the concert, the department gave her a recording.

“Tonight we felt a lot of personal, emotional support for one thing – and also financial support,” said Sandy Freeman, associate professor of theatre. “But most of all, [we wanted] her to know how much everyone here loves her and that she’s a part of this department.”

Logan has blogged four times since the accident. In her blog she expressed her thankfulness regarding the benefit.

“I am overwhelmed by the loving and giving attitudes of people we know and even people we don’t know,” Logan said via her blog. “We are blessed, blessed, blessed to be a part of so many incredible peoples’ lives.”

Smith believes it is the department’s duty to provide for Logan.

“Being involved in theatre means you inherit a second family, and we must take care of each other,” Smith said. “Laura blessed us with her talents, and we wanted to bless her with ours.”