To the Editor:
As president of the Carrollton High School Speech and Drama Boosters and a parent of both Carrollton High School Drama students and a cast member of Bell Herron’s recent production of “Annie”, we wish to thank the public for the tremendous support. Friday and Saturday performances of “Annie were nearly sold out and the students did an amazing job! Mrs. Vonda Barnhart, director, has such a gift. In the midst of our celebration of the 2009 performances given by the talented, magical casts of both the CHS “Joseph and Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and junior high “Annie” the booster club received some very discouraging and heartbreaking news.
In the heels of these successful productions, we have been informed by the Carrollton School District administration they have plans to “make better use of the space” called our stage.
They intend to remove the stage, install a kitchen in the wings backstage and make our beloved auditorium a cafeteria and study hall. The booster officers have been invited to two meetings with the administration where we provided facts and figures to them proving the stage has been in use 25 weeks this school year alone. We also offered detailed plans for two other options/proposals, which would meet their needs, yet save our stage. In spite of our efforts, the administration still plans to remove the stage as soon as this school year ends.
We have respectfully followed protocol and, after receiving little satisfaction from the administration, we contacted each Carrollton Exempted Village School District Board of Education member privately sharing information to date and publicly speaking at the recent school board meeting. Our organization was represented by Dr. Rob Miller and alumni booster spokesman Jerry Guthrie. These articulate men made very clear statements explaining the detrimental impact to our theater program if the stage was removed. We have not received any encouraging feedback from the school board members since the May 12 meeting.
Therefore, we have no alternative but to reach out to you, our public and supporters. We have worked tirelessly to maintain the high standard that has been established in years past for the Carrollton plays and musicals. We are passionate about our productions and determined to support our students who continuously amaze and impress us with their talent. Other Carrollton programs have their spaces: gyms and fields for athletics and rightly so. The stage at Bell-Herron auditorium is the heart of our drama program. It is necessary for much more than just a few nights of a production. A stage must be available for rehearsals, blocking and choreography, which require weeks to achieve a quality show. Creating a set for each show is also done weeks in advance.
Upon completion of the new junior high gym just 10 short years ago, volunteers and sponsors devoted thousands of dollars and countless hours to transform Bell Herron’s old gym into an auditorium. There was a gentlemen’s agreement between the Carrollton administration and Fine Arts program that this transformed space would remain a theater and be available for students in the drama department. What has happened in 10 short years? Our department has remained strong and our productions are outstanding. How can there be any justification for demolition of our stage when we have sold out nearly every show this year alone?
We need your help and support. If you have enjoyed a CHS production in recent years or a Bell-Herron production, please take a moment to tell an administrator or a board member how vital our drama program is to providing a well-rounded education in the Carrollton School District. Please ask them to reconsider demolition of the heart of our drama program - our stage. “If you don’t stand up for something, you’ll fall for anything.” We want to continue to create magical productions for you, our audience, for years to come with your help.
Mrs. Randi Bake
President
CHS Speech & Drama Booster Club
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