Open Forum

Sonja,

Have you looked at the Advocacy info on the schooltheatre.org site?  There is an abundance of information there.  Not all of it is focused on the return on investment that you are looking for but they do examine the benefits of supporting the arts.  Can you make the case that this bond will be an investment in the arts that might draw in more students to your program, and thus improve the caliber of your program?

Maybe also talk with your music people.  They may have some good information from their professional organizations as well!

Ray

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Raymond Palasz
English/Theatre Faculty; Thespian Troupe Director
Lake Central High School
Schererville IN

Original Message:
Sent: 01-20-2016 11:47
From: Sonja Brown
Subject: Help with proposal for bond

I was just informed that my school district is prepping for a bond measure. I have 8 weeks to submit a proposal for much needed updates to our theatre space. The proposal must show that we will either recoup expenses or make a profit in the long run.

I would like to present data from other schools who have invested in improvements and have seen positive results (monetary and community-related). Does anyone have experience with writing such a proposal?

Sonja Brown

Theatre Teacher

Thespian Director Troupe 1777

Hi Sonja,

A few years ago we received a 1.5 million dollar matching grant to renovate our theatre. I had the initial proposal to the state, rationale for the renovation, and documents from the 3 years from initial request through groundbreaking. 

We raised $800,000 in donations and our district made up the difference. We also raised the money for new seats and upgrades. I'm not sure I have all of the hard data you require, but you are welcome to lift any of the language used. Email me at the8turwoman@aol.com if you'd like me to send documents.

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Krista Carson Elhai
Theatre Director
Claremont HS
An International Baccalaureate World School
Claremont CA

Original Message:
Sent: 01-20-2016 11:47
From: Sonja Brown
Subject: Help with proposal for bond

I was just informed that my school district is prepping for a bond measure. I have 8 weeks to submit a proposal for much needed updates to our theatre space. The proposal must show that we will either recoup expenses or make a profit in the long run.

I would like to present data from other schools who have invested in improvements and have seen positive results (monetary and community-related). Does anyone have experience with writing such a proposal?

Sonja Brown

Theatre Teacher

Thespian Director Troupe 1777

Krista,

Thank you for your offer to help! I sent you an email, but not sure if you received it. Please send documents to sonja.brown@phoenix.k12.or.us.

Again, thanks ENORMOUSLY!

Sonja Brown

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Sonja Brown, Theatre Teacher
Thespian Troupe 1777
Phoenix High School

Original Message:
Sent: 01-20-2016 11:47
From: Sonja Brown
Subject: Help with proposal for bond

I was just informed that my school district is prepping for a bond measure. I have 8 weeks to submit a proposal for much needed updates to our theatre space. The proposal must show that we will either recoup expenses or make a profit in the long run.

I would like to present data from other schools who have invested in improvements and have seen positive results (monetary and community-related). Does anyone have experience with writing such a proposal?

Sonja Brown

Theatre Teacher

Thespian Director Troupe 1777