Berkeley Repeertory Theater, which is presenting a play about students who volunteer for the Berkeley High School newspaper, has announced that its audiences have donated $6,000 to bail out the real Berkeley High paper, The Jacket, which is having money problems.

“We’re so proud of our patrons and so glad that we could be of help to local teens,” said Susan Medak, managing director of Berkeley Rep. “After each performance of our current show, the audience has been encouraged to help Save The Jacket through old-fashioned civic engagement: by putting donations in a coffee can on their way out of the theatre. People have responded with tremendous generosity. They’ve already contributed $6,150 — enough to keep the paper alive for at least another year — and there are still five shows left in the show’s run!”

The Berkeley Rep is presenting “Yellowjackets,” written by Berkeley High graduate Itamar Moses. “Eleven young actors create a compelling collision of race and class that forces us to examine familiar surroundings with fresh eye,” the Berkeley Rep says. Here’s a link for more information.