First of all, forgive me for any typos or errors in this post as I am typing this on a phone at 5:30 in the morning on a borrowed phone. I haven't seen anything posted about this and feel compelled to do so.
Sevondly, I am one of the many in Bay County who stayed and survived Hurricane Michael's devastation in Panama City, Florida. I know this forum has been supportive of programs in the past who have gone through similar tragedies, so I wanted to let you know about two needs: One for the community at large and the other for the theater community. Our town looks like a war zone and many of us are without power and water. Most businesses and homes lost roofs, have roof damage, or were even leveled. Power lines and trees block roads and crews are doing their best to restore travel, power, and water. The country has come to our aid with hundreds of first responders, electric companies, and food and water. At this point, just getting the word out about our tragedy will help keep us in the forefront of the country's collective consciousness.
The theater community in the schools will be on hold for quite a while since we were told that schools will be out "indefinitely". My school was set to open The Miracle Worker last weekend with a rotating set and amazing cast, but we are not sure when or if it will happen. Many of my colleagues are in the same situation, although most of our school facilities survived better than expected. A huge exception to this is a former school where I taught that lost its small rehearsal and performance space entirely. I don't know where they will hold class when school behins again.
Local venues were not as fortunate as some of our schools as many took major hits. The historic Marina Civic Center, Martin Theatre, Kaleidoscope Theatre, as well as area churches, which we have had to use as venues before, were almost gutted and need major rebuilding. Many of them have seasons which are now in question.
Here's where I think you can help them. Most of you know that there are costs associated with a show beyond royalties and fees from publishers. In my case, we spent a lot on set and props, much of which we won't make back if the show doesn't go on or has limited audiences due to the recovery alone we are going through. It may seem silly to even think of continuing to mount a show, given the circumstances, but many of you also know the healing power that theater can have in situations such as these. Any help you can give to local theaters or school theater programs would be greatly appreciated. I am not in a great position myself to coordinate anything right now as my wife and I are living in one room of our home with no power or water until our roof can be repaired and helping her elderly parents with their repairs and needs as well, but I will do what I can to answr questions as I can with our spotty reception (curse you. Verizon!). This town needs to feel the love of the nation and this forum has the biggest hearts I know.
Thanks,
Bruce Taws
Mosley High School Drama Sponsor
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