All around the country, many education departments have been facing budget cuts, or have been completely defunded. When the education sector struggles with budget cuts and decreased funding, the first programs to go are always arts and theater.
Despite these programs being incredibly important and powerful for students, those in government and leadership do not see it that way. Many people seem to not care about art programs. However, for those who do, they feel deeply sorrowful to see the state of arts and theater programs being slashed and diminished.
Theater programs are places where students can be themselves, trust themselves, and be comfortable around their peers. Drama programs are a place for students to have fun, enjoy themselves, and try something new. Those who are in theater productions together end up building bonds and relationships, simply by living in a shared experience having fun and enjoying themselves. That is why having a theater program is so important.
Theater program director and dean, Ms. DePalo, reflected on the importance of having theater in schools. “Theater programs, and really all art and music programs as well, are almost always first on the chopping block when funding is low or cut, nationwide,” she explained.
“It is a terrible choice as having the arts in schools not only contributes to a well-rounded curriculum, but offers opportunities for kids who may not always ‘fit in’ to a traditional mold,” she added.
Students who have been in several plays at Cardozo and feel connected to the program also reflected on how theater can be a benefit to the everyday life of students. Junior Jafawn Greyer looks forward to trying out for the production every year.
“Some children feel like they don’t belong or they are scared to participate in things,” Greyer said. “But, I feel like theater programs can show how easy it is to come together as a group and entertain others. Especially in school environments where things are seen as boring, students can express themselves in an environment they feel most comfortable.”
Not only does theater shows and productions bring students together, it also brings the staff together, as well. Staff can buy tickets to attend shows and support their students and colleagues who help to plan and prepare it.
Theater programs are a great way to get conversations going, take risks, try new things, and socialize with others. It allows students to find similarities and differences with each other, being their most true and comfortable selves. For students in educational theater, they get to not only explore who they are, but learn valuable skills they can take with them outside of the school and into their futures, too.
The collaboration between students alone is valuable in creating and expanding community, and often times students learn talents and express skills that they never even knew they had by being flexible and jumping into every aspect of a production.
Therefore, it’s important that schools keep theater programs alive and going. It not only benefits the students who feel alone, but also the school community as a whole.
