Every year we have this issue. Lately we have done a few things to improve numbers. First I personally visit the chorus and theatre classes to recruit. Second, we visit the intermediate schools in June to recruit for the fall. Third, we use our current kids who know the incoming kids. They help us recruit. Good luck! It's a tough road!
Original Message:
Sent: 9/3/2015 2:16:06 PM
From: Schwartz.Shira@cusd80.com
Subject: RE: Guys, Guys, Guys
I'd also agree that show choice is a good way to get kids into the program. Something that I do that seems to work really well is have my adv kids doing a 3-5 minutes spot in the pep assemblies. Since all of the kids at the school go to those it provides an opportunity to showcase how much fun theatre is to the portion of the population that doesn't even know it exists.
I also use the other teachers on campus to help promote my shows. Many of them will offer extra credit to students who see the performances. I write a quiz that is based on both the plot line of the story and what actually happens on the stage to prevent kids trying to use things like SparkNotes. Since the quiz is already written, with the key, and is short a lot of other teachers use it. I also will only sign the programs after the show for the teachers who require a signature as proof of attendance.
Something else that works is the fact that there are a lot of girls in theatre. Several boys will join theatre for the girls that are present and stay because they discover a passion on their own. Just some thoughts as I take a 5-minute break from choreographing *sigh*
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Shira Schwartz
Chandler Unified School District
Chandler AZ
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-03-2015 13:02
From: Ron Wells
Subject: Guys, Guys, Guys
Every few years, to replenish the men that I lose each year, I choose a show that directly appeals to them -- yet there are roles for females too. Our fall show is DRACULA, to be performed on Halloween weekend. (We are a middle school, 6,7,& 8) and the boys are lining up. The HOBBIT is another show that attracts the boys. Then, once you get a good corp, you can choose shows that may not always appeal to boys. You can never be sure if it will work -- I thought the SECRET GARDEN would attract more girls than boys last year, but I was wrong, and captured more guys with that show too.
It's always a challenge, but the show choice is a good place to start. Good luck.
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Ron Wells
LCJ Summit Middle School, NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-03-2015 09:39
From: Zachary Schneider
Subject: Guys, Guys, Guys
I teach in a large district (my school has 1,700 students) and I was just lamenting this to my wife last night. I only have four males in an advanced class made up of juniors and seniors. My intermediate class has only two. Of course, in my state our school's football team is king. There are 160 boys involved in the entire football program, yet I sweat that I won't have enough guys to cover all the parts during audi If I don't draft more guys somehow, we will have a hard time pulling off musicals...
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Zachary Schneider
Casper WY
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-02-2015 07:55
From: Craig Cohan
Subject: Guys, Guys, Guys
I teach and direct in a small size district (about 650). My guy population has been dwindling as they are all graduating. How have any of you gotten more guys to be involved? This is the first time in 17 years I have really has this problem.
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Craig Cohan
Teacher/Theatre Director
Fairview Park City Schools
Olmsted Falls OH
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