Open Forum

I always have a hard time seeing live theatre advertised as "the arts." Professional theatre is not funded by arts organizations: like mainstream film, it's funded by investors who want a return on their investment. It's considered show business, with the accent on "business."

I'm sure that doesn't answer your question, but the difference does create a perception that too often gets in the way.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net
------------------------------

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

Original Message:
Sent: 5/20/2023 5:18:00 PM
From: George Ledo
Subject: RE: Theatre Department or Performing Arts Department?

I always have a hard time seeing live theatre advertised as "the arts." Professional theatre is not funded by arts organizations: like mainstream film, it's funded by investors who want a return on their investment. It's considered show business, with the accent on "business."

I'm sure that doesn't answer your question, but the difference does create a perception that too often gets in the way.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net
------------------------------

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

Shows, either plays or musicals, are "presented" by (the name of school) (the mascot of the school) Players.  My high school performances were

The Miller Place Panther Players
             presents
    THE WHO'S TOMMY

Whomever was financing the shows were listed as Producers inside the program.

------------------------------
David Kramer
NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-22-2023 08:38
From: Mark Zimmerman
Subject: Theatre Department or Performing Arts Department?

As long as the theatre program is footing the bill, they get the credit. For me that means the posters says, "Firestone Theatre presents  . . .  "

I make sure to give everyone credit for their contributions in other ways.the music director, conductor, and choreographer get credit on the poster, Everyone is listed in the program (of course), everyone gets a bio (of course), everyone gets Thespian points, everyone is included in the communication platform, everyone gets their name on the t-shirt, etc.

It might be a theatre production but so many other kids fit under that umbrella!

Although, now that I think about it, lately I have been crediting both. So my posters say across the top "FIRESTONE THEATRE" and in much smaller type it also says "The Akron School for the Arts" and "Firestone CLC" on the second line. And then below that the word, "presents."

Take it for what you will.

--

Mark A. Zimmerman

Theatre Director,

The Akron School for the Arts

Firestone Community Learning Center

470 Castle Blvd

Akron, Ohio 44313

330-761-3275

FirestoneTheatre.com

Board Member, Ohio Educational Theatre Association

NE Ohio Area Representative

Workshop Committee

Displays/Vendors Committee

https://ohedta.org/

What am I Working On?  A new season of plays and musicals

What am I Reading?  "Shy" by Jesse Green and Mary Rodgers and "The Philosophy of Modern Song" by Bob Dylan

Original Message:
Sent: 5/20/2023 5:18:00 PM
From: George Ledo
Subject: RE: Theatre Department or Performing Arts Department?

I always have a hard time seeing live theatre advertised as "the arts." Professional theatre is not funded by arts organizations: like mainstream film, it's funded by investors who want a return on their investment. It's considered show business, with the accent on "business."

I'm sure that doesn't answer your question, but the difference does create a perception that too often gets in the way.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net

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

I think within your question lies a potential answer- if they want it to be "Performing Arts Presents" then ask them which part of the presentation are they willing to fund and take charge of (i.e. the posters and advertisement itself.)? Is the choir director coming in to direct the singing of the ensemble piece and teach them how to do so correctly so that you can focus on directing a scene while they are learning their singing part of their roles. It would mean more of a collaboration between leaders and a willingness to let go, or they may decide they don't want the responsibility and leave it to you as a "Theatre Arts Presents". The result could be fantastic or a fiasco but, it would be an experiment.

------------------------------
Cherri Seeton
theatre teacher and director
Strack Intermediate
TX
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2023 17:18
From: George Ledo
Subject: Theatre Department or Performing Arts Department?

I always have a hard time seeing live theatre advertised as "the arts." Professional theatre is not funded by arts organizations: like mainstream film, it's funded by investors who want a return on their investment. It's considered show business, with the accent on "business."

I'm sure that doesn't answer your question, but the difference does create a perception that too often gets in the way.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net

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

Original Message:
Sent: 5/20/2023 5:18:00 PM
From: George Ledo
Subject: RE: Theatre Department or Performing Arts Department?

I always have a hard time seeing live theatre advertised as "the arts." Professional theatre is not funded by arts organizations: like mainstream film, it's funded by investors who want a return on their investment. It's considered show business, with the accent on "business."

I'm sure that doesn't answer your question, but the difference does create a perception that too often gets in the way.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net
------------------------------

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

I do 3 shows each year - the play & our student directed one-act festival are presented by the theatre program, but the spring musical is presented by the performing arts department. For me it has nothing to do with money or who puts in the most work, but simply an acknowledgment of the fact that everyone in the department & all of our boosters help with the production - and I could not do it without all of their help.
I don’t think there is a right or wrong choice with something like this, nor do I think the public really pays attention to what’s printed at the top of the poster when deciding whether or not to attend a show. This is about what feels right for you, your colleagues & your school.

Sent from my iPhone


Original Message:
Sent: 5/20/2023 11:35:00 AM
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

At our school, we have created a border that goes around all of the performing arts posters.  It has our school's name and Performing Arts at the top; and our school website and school year at the bottom.   All posters created in the Performing Arts Department are dropped into the border.  This provides consistency for the department as well as the ability to designate more specifically who is producing the event.  

------------------------------
Terri Ferguson
Performing Arts Chair
Ursuline Academy
TX
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-21-2023 08:28
From: Melissa Purdy
Subject: Theatre Department or Performing Arts Department?

I do 3 shows each year - the play & our student directed one-act festival are presented by the theatre program, but the spring musical is presented by the performing arts department. For me it has nothing to do with money or who puts in the most work, but simply an acknowledgment of the fact that everyone in the department & all of our boosters help with the production - and I could not do it without all of their help.
I don't think there is a right or wrong choice with something like this, nor do I think the public really pays attention to what's printed at the top of the poster when deciding whether or not to attend a show. This is about what feels right for you, your colleagues & your school.

Sent from my iPhone


Original Message:
Sent: 5/20/2023 11:35:00 AM
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

Original Message:
Sent: 5/20/2023 11:35:00 AM
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

Hi Julie,

I have the same conflict every time I make the poster. Although, admittedly, mine is an internal one as no one has ever asked or made a comment. 

I have started to just say "Name of High School Presents" rather than attributing the work to theatre or the arts department. My way of thinking goes:
1) even though I am completely funded through ticket sales and fundraisers, the school does pay my salary, provides a wonderful space to perform and rehearse, and all the students are part of the school
2) if we want to be part of the bigger picture of the school this is a chance to say "here we are"
3) it is a reminder to those looking at the ad of where the performance is being held 
4) "a rising tide lifts all ships" It doesn't take anything away from your hard work to elevate someone else. It might actually help everyone in the long run. I hope that is maybe the intent of whoever asked you to make a change. If you feel like someone is trying to take credit for themselves then maybe it is another issue all together. 

I totally know where you are coming from and still question my verbiage every time I am about to create the advertising. 

Congratulations on putting up your show!

Break A Leg,

------------------------------
J. Harvey Stone
Teacher/Director
Jamestown High School Theatre
Williamsburg, VA
james.stone@wjccschools.org
------------------------------

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

Original Message:
Sent: 5/21/2023 10:25:00 AM
From: James Stone
Subject: RE: Theatre Department or Performing Arts Department?

Hi Julie,

I have the same conflict every time I make the poster. Although, admittedly, mine is an internal one as no one has ever asked or made a comment. 

I have started to just say "Name of High School Presents" rather than attributing the work to theatre or the arts department. My way of thinking goes:
1) even though I am completely funded through ticket sales and fundraisers, the school does pay my salary, provides a wonderful space to perform and rehearse, and all the students are part of the school
2) if we want to be part of the bigger picture of the school this is a chance to say "here we are"
3) it is a reminder to those looking at the ad of where the performance is being held 
4) "a rising tide lifts all ships" It doesn't take anything away from your hard work to elevate someone else. It might actually help everyone in the long run. I hope that is maybe the intent of whoever asked you to make a change. If you feel like someone is trying to take credit for themselves then maybe it is another issue all together. 

I totally know where you are coming from and still question my verbiage every time I am about to create the advertising. 

Congratulations on putting up your show!

Break A Leg,

------------------------------
J. Harvey Stone
Teacher/Director
Jamestown High School Theatre
Williamsburg, VA
james.stone@wjccschools.org
------------------------------

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

Original Message:
Sent: 5/20/2023 11:35:00 AM
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

I understand it has nothing to do with money and so forth in high school. No problem there.

However, school is supposed to be about teaching students how to be ready for their next step, and theatre is no exception. Theatre is a legitimate career field, and getting them, parents, and others to think of it as training for a career, I believe, should be a consideration. And that includes their perception of it. In this country, "the arts" are always begging for money, while "the entertainment industry" is making money hand over fist.

If we want (or care to) have others perceive theatre as a possible career option, we need to make it clear what professional theatre is.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-21-2023 13:26
From: Billy Houck
Subject: Theatre Department or Performing Arts Department?

Who asked you to list it that way?

I always felt that the purpose of the posters was to advertise the show and give people the information they may need before they come. Eye-catching graphics, title, author, date, time, venue, cost, plus any extra information required by contract. 

You can list presenters, producers and directors in the program.

Billy Houck

Theatre Teacher, retired.

Original Message:
Sent: 5/20/2023 11:35:00 AM
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

Julia,

At my school, I am the Drama Club sponsor, and I direct one straight play and co-direct the musical with the music teacher who teaches both choir and band.  For the straight play I usually put on the programs and flyers "[Name of School] Drama Club proudly presents...."  But when it comes to the musical I list our music department first because the music boosters usually pay for the musical.  However, several of our show