We have all heard about the fiddler on the roof, but this story is a bit different. This time an executive director is on the roof attempting to raise money to send students to New York, but he could be facing some unexpected obstacles in the coming days.

Jonathan Horne has been up on the roof of the Playhouse for nearly three days now, and says that the stay has been a struggle so far but will mean a lot if the goal is met.

“Monday was really brutal because I didn’t have anything but a mat and a few waters, but then Express Personnel bought the tent and I immediately said yes, bring it up now,” Horn said while taking a small sip of his water bottle. “But there are just so many opportunities for artists in New York and I never had that kind of experiences as a kid so I don’t want them to have to wait to see it. I know it will be a wonderful feeling to come down and be able to send these kids to New York City.”

Currently Horne has to ration his water and food supply to make everything last but he also says that a lot of donations have come in from the community so far and would like to get more area companies involved.

“We have seen a lot of individual donations and the community support has been great,” Horne said. “Now I want to get these local companies involved and help support these kids.”

Despite the sun, Horne has also had other challenges with the wind and could have more weather problems on the way.

“Obviously the last couple of days the wind has been the biggest challenge,” Horne said as the wind vigorously shook his tent. “But if it rains I will really enjoy that. I hope it does because we need it so badly.”

Horne is not, however, so excited about the prospect of possible hail storms, saying, “I really hope it won’t go through my tent.”

“But if it does, I'll push through and make it work,” Horne said.

Horne’s family shared his views and were really worried about him on Monday as he recorded the temperature at 103 degrees while on the roof.

“I think they were a little worried on Monday,” Horne said. “My wife probably thinks I am a little crazy and my son is a little worried I might fall off, but my daughter is really excited that we are doing this. Throughout this process they have all been really supportive.”

One of the members of Kaleidoscope, the group who will be sent to New York, agreed with the crazy notion, but is overjoyed to see someone who cares so much about the kids.

“I thought he was crazy, I believed him because he is crazy, but it didn’t really register until it was actually happening,” Elizabeth Forsyth said about when she first heard of the idea. "I was also a little worried that it wouldn’t work out, but it has gotten a lot more attention than I had thought it would and it just makes me happy that he is doing it for us.”

Although the heat and wind have taken their toll on Horne, he says the excitement and joy he can see from his students is what has kept him going during his extended stay on top of the Playhouse.

All in all, the executive director remained in good spirits Wednesday afternoon saying he has found some joy in being on the roof.

“Being up here at night has been really awesome because I can just sit out and stare at the stars,” Horne said. “I also have some company.”

Little did he know when heading to the roof, a nest of birds has also taken up residency underneath an air-conditioning unit directly in-front of his tent.

Sunday will be Horne’s final day on the roof, and according to the National Weather service he will get a small break as today will be around 85 degrees, Friday will be 89 and Saturday will kick back up to 95. However, Horne says no matter what happens, the goal will stay the same.

“This is about two things: most importantly the kids and giving them this opportunity; and two, to let the community know we are here and that we aren’t going anywhere.”

To keep up with Horne and get a taste of what he is experiencing, visit the Permian Playhouse Facebook page at www.facebook.com/permianplayhouse. Donations can be made by stopping by the Playhouse and all donations are tax deductible.