Sending good thoughts as you push through these remaining teaching days of 2022!
I'd like to take this opportunity to share some thoughts and tips about the importance of getting students involved in your community. This can mean your school, district, or the greater community beyond your campus.
Too often we spend our days in rehearsals and working with students to prep a production. Opening night arrives and those empty seats can be very discouraging. Or we're trying to raise funds to take kids to state festivals, ITF, or other theatre rich opportunities and we wonder why folks aren't rallying around to support our efforts.
Do you have a community service requirement to become a Thespian? If not, I urged you and your students to consider revising your Troupe Constitution to add one.
I urge you to take some time to sit down with your students, booster parents (if you are fortunate enough to have them), and a few well-connected colleagues and look at how your students can become more involved and visible in your community. I promise this isn't adding to your plate but rather a way to grow your audiences, raise the stature of your program, and get exposure to elementary parents and those who might not have students in your program. In addition, you are teaching students the importance of giving back to their community and taking back to the roots of early theatre when telling stories was at the center of the community.
Suggestions:
• Volunteer for site, district, and community committees. Encourage your students to do the same. Every representative from your department will be an ambassador from your program. Ex-City Master Plan needs teen representatives, District Arts & Curriculum Committees, Local Community Events (4thof July, Founders Day, Carnivals etc). Taking one day off rehearsal a month to attend a meeting will benefit your program.
• Fairs, carnivals, and city sponsored events have both offerings. Have your students face paint, make balloon animals, craft crowns and show related head pieces with kids. At the same time have your season brochure available and friendly students at the ready to chat with people who stroll by your booth.
• Get to know your Chamber of Commerce. They need volunteers for merchant events. Theatre kids are great for this, and they can wear show/department shirts to promote your program. Take coffee and a treat to the president of your local Chamber and find out how to get your kids involved.
• Identify groups in your town who might need assistance for events. Community theatre productions need ushers, Girl Scouts may need teen assistants, Turkey Trot 5ks need volunteers to hand out t shirts, etc.
• Check out all of the elementary and middle school events in your district. HS volunteers may be welcomed to assist with a school carnival, a fundraiser, or spaghetti dinner. These are one day events and could give huge exposure for your program. Offer kids to volunteer and ask if your upcoming shows can be publicized in exchange for the assistance.
• Don't forget all the opportunities available on your own campus. Where might there be a large group of people who may not be familiar with your theatre program? Sports events may need help with concessions, Open House and Back to School Nights often have a central location for parents to gather, a basketball tournament may attract huge crowds. Brainstorm how your kids can assist at these events. Not sure where to begin? Contact the Parent Teacher Association president, your Activities Director, or VP in charge of facilities. These folks are key to knowing events on campus and would be a great place to start.
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Krista Carson Elhai
Vice President, Educational Theatre Association
Educational Theatre Foundation National Board of Trustees
Past President, CA Educational Theatre Association
Membership Chair, California State Thespians
Claremont CA
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