Open Forum

HI ETA

I would like to ask a couple of questions from the group. Some of it may come out as a rant and I apologize, but that is just my way of interpreting the world.

This comes from a recent post on the ETA Facebook page about the "Top 10" musicals and plays being performed in High School Theater, or is Theatre, I'm confused by this too?

And everything here will come from my lack of knowledge and the facts and figures will be completely faulty, but are used to make my point.

First, seeing what you are "nickled and dimed for", for extras for older scripts. And with my understanding of music licensing, I can only imagine what it cost's to license a show on this list?

Using my faulty figures, if it cost's $5000.00 to license with royalties for 6 shows, with most of the extra's you need? And then $1000.00 needed to build these lavish sets, and the many volunteers and many hours needed to complete? Based on a 150 seat theater, I know it's spelled right this time, that you sell out at $10.00 a ticket, sorry not taking in to account for student and Sr discounts.

And my math comes to $6000.00 performance cost, not counting volunteers. And $9000.00 revenues with a profit of $3000.00. A 30% profit margin is acceptable in business. And again faulty figures, but to make my point in today's financial market, is that good enough? Considering I believe most payments are made well in advance of money coming in for completely sold out shows?

That is actually leading up to what the real question of mine is. Is the point of High School Theater, I'm keeping it this way for my sanity. Is the point to teach, to get students to learn, and to let their creativity shine? Or is it to "tell them what to do and do as I say!"?

Sorry for the rant, but I mean it like this. And again more lack of knowledge but you license a script and you "Must adhere" to it with no deviation!!! Maybe not quite that strict and I now there is no reason to change a script. But there are different talent levels. There are different stages, not every one can afford the modern luxuries. And I'm sure there can be some variances allowed, but they probably also cost extra. Sorry.

Where I am actually going is this. Shouldn't High School Theater be a place where students learn and grow? Or just be told what to do?

Finally my big question, is there or why is there not a High School Theater that develops "New Work"?

There are so many talented writers out there with so much more to offer than "Big money, industrialized corporate shows", sorry again. Why don't High School Theater programs find a play or musical from some local or other area amateur or professional play write and team up to "Create" something more then just performing a 2 week memory?

There are 100's if not thousands of scripts available that will never see the light of day. Are where do you think the original classic hit shows came from? Not big business!

So my thought is this, starting with those in the 10^th grade class. They research scripts from certain genres. Then contact and arrange with the play write. In 11^th they start to "Workshop It !!!", sorry there was a rant in there that you may not have caught. And finally the "World Premier" for the senior class!

This can be beneficial to both with a production and a chance for the show, and royalties for the school for all future productions. In essence partner with the play write. You promote your show that you help craft to other schools and anytime it gets produced you get a percentage, excuse me "royalties". Even if the play write sells a show, say to "Off Broadway", hey it's more realistic then without "Off", but you get royalties wherever it may be produced.

So just some guys irrational thoughts.

Thank you