Hey, Kristen!
I think it's time to change principals.
As far as I can tell, you are working as a volunteer, and should be honored for that service, but the principal is bullying you with an intent to force you to violate contract law. And then pretending that you are both somehow equally at fault.
Were I a superintendent of schools, I'd want to know that one of my principals was promoting illegal behavior and bullying others into carrying out his intentions to violate the law, and ruining what should have been a positive experience for the students. I'd collect the entire paper trail (including some of the commentary from this thread), and send it, as a packet, to the superintendent. (Mail it anonymously if you're afraid of personal confrontation... though taking your own personal stand would carry more weight.)
Given that the principal has now "taken his ball and gone home," it sounds like there's not likely going to be a theatre program under this guy (at least not one with any integrity).
Of course, it's possible that the principal was acting under the full knowledge and direction of the superintendent. In which case, it's THAT guy who needs to know the nature of what is meant by "a contract," and how dangerously close they came to serious liability.
Finally, I am saying this not knowing whether there is some repercussion that can swing back around and impact your kids. I understand that they come first.
In which case, the next step is to start your own community theatre, where they have no say in your choices.
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Tim Mooney
www.timmooneyrep.comwww.moliere-in-english.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 02-08-2020 11:51
From: Jonathan Dorf
Subject: changing script lines in shrek junior w/o permission
Ah yes, the old irreconcilable differences where one of you wants to break the law and the other won't let them. This principal sounds like a piece of work. It's hard to imagine that someone with those ethics should be placed in charge of children. As Bill said, don't let the principal saddle you with co-equal blame here. Good luck--I'm sorry this happened to you, but glad that you stuck to your guns.
Cheers,
Jonathan
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Jonathan Dorf
Playwright/ Co-founder of YouthPLAYS/ Co-chair of The Alliance Of Los Angeles Playwrights
Los Angeles CA
Original Message:
Sent: 02-08-2020 00:31
From: Kristen Nields
Subject: changing script lines in shrek junior w/o permission
Update The principal sent me an email five minutes before sending out a mass email to everyone that the show was being cancelled to irreconcilable differences.
Sent from my iPhone
Original Message------
And I have canceled a performance for similar admin-related reasons. If you know better, you do better, and let the person who is in the wrong deal with the fall-out.
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Julie Ann Hawk
Theatre Director, Troupe 2259
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Greenbelt, Maryland
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