When any of our past students have quit or had to be removed from a production even mid-run (we do a three-weekend for our musicals) they were not awarded any points.
Seeing a production through to the strike is all part of the experience. We even hint that if you do not stay for the strike after the closing matinee that you will not earn your Thespian points (though every year someone doesn't stay for one reason or another and I haven't pulled the trigger on that threat yet).
As for this year, we were two weeks from opening SEUSSICAL when we got the call. We have decided to award everyone their Thespian points this year as if the production went on for their hard work rehearsing.
Some kids need all four years to earn Honor Bar and losing one of the musicals for something they had nothing to do with could have prevented that from happening. We even gave students points who had committed to running sound and follow-spot even though we got cancelled before they arrived for our spring break tech week.
As teachers, we have been told that all of our grading over this distance learning quarter should err on the side of generous. We are awarding points with that same spirit.
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Stephen Benjamin
Director of Theatre Arts
Garfield Heights OH
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-01-2020 13:10
From: Elizabeth Fritz
Subject: Awarding points
Hello,
A couple of years ago, we had an incident during the final week of rehearsal for our annual musical and because of some poor behavior decisions of some students, about half dozen of our cast & crew members were unable to perform in the show.
One of these students is now applying to be inducted into ITS.
Does this student earn the points for the work done on the musical the student was unable to perform in because of student's behavior choices?
Student did nearly 95% of the time involved in the show and role.
I am curious if other schools have had this issue and how have you dealt with it?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
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Elizabeth Fritz
ITS Troupe #285 Advisor
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