The death of Theatre Education in the public school system
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Theatre Art Education programs have been severly cut in public school systems throughout the country. Theatre arts education reaches a diverse group of students, some of which might not excel in a traditonal classroom enviornment but shine once given a mic and a song. For some children, it's a form of expression, for others, a kind of therapy. It's been statistically proven that most children perform better in a classroom when continually participating in regular theatre art education program. Many schools in NYC, in conjuction with MTI, have been trying to keep the arts alive in schools city wide, with great success. Now I ask this; what can be done on at national level? I feel teachers, administrators, parents, siblilings, communities as a whole, should try, and be able, to keep theatre art education alive in the public school system. Money is an issue for most, which is why these programs have been cut in the first place, but, if we all put our heads together, I know there must be a solution or a way to get the ball rolling. Any suggestions?
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I have always said. Make the sports teams hold the bake sales and car washes and give that money set aside for THEM to the arts. :)
Of course that will never happen.
This is where Community Theater comes into play. Many community theaters have Youth programs. I know in our area, there is only one school (out of around 40) that have a theater program. We fill that need with our Youth Wing at our Community Theater. It isn't the best solution, but it at least gives youth an opportunity to explore.