To the Editor:
As a local taxpayer with a background in teaching and a career in the arts, supporters of the Speech and Drama program invited me to attend the last meeting of the Board of Education. They also invited me to attend a recent meeting regarding the Bell-Herron performance space. The following observations and conclusions were drawn from my notes taken at those meetings.
The boosters/supporters of the Speech and Drama program have objectives that are clear, simple, noble:
1.) They are committed to encouraging students in their pursuit of excellence in communications (a skill I have observed to be a life-long treasure). And
2.) They desire to continue offering quality productions to this community.
In light of these objectives, they are seeking your active support as members of our community. They are convinced that it has become necessary to have specific written assurances from the current school administration and Board of Education in order to ensure the continued growth of the Speech and Drama program. This is because the existing gentlemen’s agreement is not being honored. Given the accurate and concise presentation made by Gerald Guthrie at the school board meeting (see Free Press Standard 5/21/09), I wholeheartedly concur.
It was refreshing to discover these program supporters are not seeking additional funds (let alone facilities). There was not a hint or suggestion of excluding any other program from sharing the facilities. There was, however, a deep conviction of the vital necessity to protect and maintain the resources that you, our community, have so graciously provided.
Assistant Superintendent Robert Mehno stated the administration has no intent to hurt the program. The following is a list of criteria essential to the existing program:
ITEM 1: 1,600 square feet of stage floor area.
This area must be available for eight weeks prior to the published show dates. (Note: three shows per year X eight weeks per show = 24 weeks per school year.)
ITEM 2: Backstage area.
A.) Safe access across the entire backstage area
B.) Women’s dressing room: 300 square feet of area
Access to the multi-purpose room for make-up area
Access to the men’s locker room for men’s dressing area.
C.) Wing areas: minimum of 500 square feet
D.) Prop closet
E.) Costume storage area
ITEM 3: Technical requirements.
A.) Electrical supply for lighting consistent with state codes for theater use
B.) Existing lighting booth
C.) Storage area for 18-foot ladders directly accessible to stage area
D.) All present support materials (such as curtains, scrims, etc.)
ITEM 4: Availability of present floor seating area for audience
This area must be available for 10 days prior to show dates. Note: dry, clean storage area for chairs (if off-site then delivery to and from facility will be required).
A specific written agreement to this list of existing resources seems more than reasonable to me. What do you think? Take a few minutes to voice your opinion directly to the administration. You know the number. (If, as I hope, the line is busy, call the folks at the Speech and Drama group and sign their petition.)
George Payne
Amsterdam, OH
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