I make the parent meeting for theatre at the high school mandatory for any parent who has a student (new or not) interested in participating in theatre, and hold it at least 1/2 week before auditions. The reason for finally making it mandatory was because, in the past, the only parents who created drama or issues for the theatre company turned out to be the ones who did not attend the meeting. The parents that attend are told up front of the possible late nights of production week, which creates less problems when that week arrives. At the meeting all the rules and schedule are gone over and the theatre process is explained. It is an opportunity for me to explain that leadership opportunities exist in the crew head positions, and that tech crews are as important as actors. I encourage them to support their student in the program, no matter what aspect they become involved in. It is also the one time we get to meet the parents and it is a great time for them to ask questions of me, the student theatre council or the theatre booster board. Also, we need these parents to help out and support the program, and we seem to get better results if everyone is onboard at the start. Important paperwork is filled out, and a Contract of rules and expected behaviors is signed by the parent and their student. The meeting is tonight, and we have had almost 100 people in attendance in the past. That doesn't mean all the students join, because this school has a $400 pay to participate fee for theatre, but at least they get information to help make an informed decision. In case parents cannot attend the meeting in the fall, I hold another one in late November, after the fall performance. Parents are expected to make one of the meetings, as there is far less misunderstanding and confusion about the program when they attend. This has worked for me, and the extra time of preparing two meetings has paid off in less headaches later.
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Valerie Farschman, Drama Director
MLS Theatre Company, Troupe 1422
Marion L Steele High School
Amherst, Ohio
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-12-2017 13:19
From: Ginny Schreiber
Subject: Parent Meetings after Casting a Show
Good Morning,
I wanted to know if you require parents to attend an "orientation" meeting after you production is cast? I have been holding parent meetings for many, many years, and lately I am wondering if I need to have them? I tried having just new families attend a required meeting, but with schedule conflicts, etc. the attendance was really low. I always just end up sending out my meeting notes and power points to everyone anyway..... (Though I am not sure if anyone reads them.) What do you all do?
Ginny Schreiber
Middle School Drama
Forest Ridge School
425-679-0143 | www.forestridge.org
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