Why is it that the ARTS always get the short end of the stick? I know times are hard, but why does the ax always fall on the ARTS first? I have been involved in theater for over 36 years since the age of 10. I was blessed to attend St. Catherine's school from kindergarten through 4th grade. Because they didn't fall prey to what state budgets would allow, being a private school, I was introduced to the arts at a very early age. As a kindergartner I was privileged to have an all-day workshop with famous mime, Tony Montanaro. I had dance class and drama at least once a week with Lucy Stockdale and Gretchen Buis all through my elementary years and had the opportunity to do a play in a real theater (McVey Theater) as a 4th grader. My drama teacher (Ms. Buis) encouraged me to audition for "The Music Man" at Swift Creek Mill Playhouse. I made it, and I have been doing theater ever since. If I had not had that early exposure to the ARTS at St. Catherine's, I may not have developed the intense passion I have for it now.
When people start making random decisions to eliminate all state funding to the ARTS by 2012 in the House Budget Plan, they have no idea what they are taking away. When a child sees a play for the first time, something happens. Stories come alive. It is not the same as watching a TV show. There is an energy and excitement that you cannot get anywhere else. Don't get me wrong, technology is a wonderful thing, but it will never replace live theater. How sad it would be if education through the ARTS were limited to only those who could afford it. How many children would be left uninspired? I hope and pray I don't have to see a future filled with adults who grew up without that inspiration because the state of Virginia thought ARTS were expendable in 2010.
You are so right, Terri. I've had students who excelled in drama or art or chorus or band... and that was not only what inspired them but also what kept them engaged enough to finish high school. It is very sad, but elections do have consequences.
ReplyDeleteAs a theatre teacher, I see first hand how art affects students. To build off of the previous post, students come to school BECAUSE of their "art" class. Without that connection to the school community, all the money in the world for SOL tutors and standardized testing won't have any effect at all because students won't have a place to use what they've learned. Please save the arts!
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