I think your question is valid. For us, we are the Performing Arts Department. This was a change from the Music Department that we made several years ago to become more inclusive, combining Choir, Band, Orchestra and Theatre. It was so separated before, yet the adults and students overlapped on lots of events, not just theatre performances. We work very hard, as I'm sure many do, to be inclusive and one big family. We also changed our "cast party" to a "production party" a few years ago too for very similar reasons.
So for us, on all theatre productions, we list "Hickman Performing Arts presents..."
Not sure this really answers your question but it is what we currently do. I feel very fortunate to work with a great group of colleagues who collaborate on lots of things and really do get along.
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Vicki Palmer
Theatre Technical Director
Hickman High School - Home of the Kewpies
International Thespian Society Troupe #5568
Columbia, MO
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2023 11:27
From: Julie Estrada
Subject: Theatre Department or Performing Arts Department?
On our posters & program we have traditionally had at the top Theatre presents versus Performing Arts presents for both the musical and the play.
It has recently been asked to have Performing Arts when we advertise for the musical and I am conflicted because the Performing Arts dept works on the show but the Theatre Department pays for everything and coordinates it all (ie... me). I have the philosophy that when the band plays in the pit they are part of the theatre department. It isn't the choir singing, it is the students who auditioned for the show who sing.
I am wanting to give credit where credit it due, I just have a hard time with something like this when I want us to be inclusive and feel like a part of what I have been doing is being taken away or lessened.
Thoughts?
And please be kind...this is a hard question for me to ask/post.
Julie Estrada
Theatre Educator & Director