Open Forum

I received this email today. Before I respond, I thought I'd reach out and see if anyone has thoughts on the matter.

I hate to bother you while I know there is so much going on but wanted to check in and see if you had any words of advice to offer myself, my daughters or other students on the state of Iowa politics and the Iowa House Possibly passing a "Drag Queen" bill making it illegal for performances with men to dress as women or vice versa. I realize this is not specifically geared towards high school theatrical performances but the girls and I have concerns of the future threats to theatre and un written implications of this Bill, not to mention the threat to civil rights for those specifically targeted in this Bill. Given the fact that Estelle was a "Newsie" dressed as a male performing on stage in the presence of children years ago and last year she was a mentor to an autistic male actor who was cast as Cinderellas "wicked step mother " this seems a very real issue we should be addressing. Any actions you suggest to help guide us would be greatly appreciated.

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Katherine Howard
Director of Theatre Arts
Bettendorf High School
IA
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We'll see how this executive order is implemented. At the extreme end, we could see an end to 'Tootsie' and 'Mrs. Doubtfire' and 'White Chicks' and basically all of Shakespeare's comedies, not to mention performing Shakespeare's work in the original, men-only Elizabethan style.

I HOPE that, if enforced, we'll see a distinction between Drag as its own art form/expression and the scenarios you mention, which are at times a necessary element to being able to cast a show. If you don't have enough male kids at auditions, you put females in the roles (unless the contract specifically forbids it, and let's face it, sometimes even then). There are certain tropes that are 'signatures' of certain shows - looking at you, Edna Turnblatt and Madame Trunchbull, as well as the habit of men being cast as Lady Bracknell.

My fingers are crossed that our 'Powers that Be' (or wannabe) understand the spirit of this Bill, if passed - not that I want it to be or that I agree with it. Some hyper-reactionary conservatives may seek to take it too far, but I hope there are at least a few theater people in Congress who can remind them that cross-dressing comes in many forms, some of which have been around forever.

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Josh Kauffman
Teacher, Thespian Society/Drama Club sponsor
Winfield City Schools
Winfield, AL
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Hey Katherine!

I would not respond to this email. The concerns raised in it are valid, but as a teacher in this climate I would be wary of discussing any political convictions in writing. You are not the place to go for a family "needing words of advice about the state of politics."

If you appreciate the concern, I would write them back and express that. It is nice for them to reach out, but that is all I would say. 

Best,

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Bryan Lucchesi
CO
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Dr. Jennifer Katona
Executive Director/President
Educational Theatre Association
Educational Theatre Foundation
NYC
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Hi Katherine, 

As we continue to explore ways to support our members as they stand up for their theatre programs, we have an update. We've created a new campaign to make it easier for Iowa educators and supporters everywhere to speak out against HB 158: 

Write Your Legislators Here 

As you know, HB 158 could have far-reaching consequences across the performance industry, and particularly in our schools. By joining this campaign, you'll be able to quickly connect with your legislators and voice your concerns about protecting students' access to theatre education. 

EdTA remains committed to supporting teachers across the country who face similar legislative challenges. Please let us know how we can continue to help and thank you for everything you do to keep theatre thriving in our schools! 

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Dr. Jennifer Katona
Executive Director/President
Educational Theatre Association
Educational Theatre Foundation
NYC
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Hi Katherine, 

You've gotten support here from admin and members! I thought I'd add a similar experience that we faced in Kentucky a couple of years back. There was a similar bill making it's way through our legislature and several of us voiced concerns similar to those that you are expressing. Our statewide arts advocacy group, which has an arts education committee that I'm a part of, was able to speak to a legislator that several of us know about this concerns. He had worked with arts educators previously and was involved with a local theatre in his community. He recognized that issue facing us immediately and was able to help us find language that would lessen impacts on schools. The bill still passed, but hasn't had any reported impact on educational, community, or professional theatre in the state. Feel free to reach out to me, jane.dewey@danville.kyschools.us if I might be able to help in any other way. 

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Jane Dewey
Director of Arts Education
Danville Independent Schools
Danville, KY
jane.dewey@danville.kyschools.us
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