Budgets or Bust?
Many of us would rather block a scene with 200 kids, deal with your lead having the flu or explain to a parent why their child is appropriately cast, than deal with impending budget cuts. Anything, absolutely anything else! Most of us working with kids in theater are there because we are passionate about the art form and what it can do for kids, schools and communities. A good director knows how to cast so the show propels itself. His vision can motivate and inspire the entire creative team. . But “marketing” the program to avoid an arts budget cut wasn’t in the syllabus! When it comes to budget issues, we are only partially in control of the process.
In a real world, (and hopefully we are doing a better job with our undergrad and grad students), creating a sustainable arts program is part of the “basic food group” for survival. I wish I had space to tell you the many TRUE stories of programs that were saved BECAUSE of what we offer kids and communities, including my own at one time!
A phrase I use consistently, courtesy of my former colleague Larry Wilson, is “missed opportunity”. You already have everything you need to market the case for why your program is integral to the school and community, yes, even in these tough times! After WWII, the first things rebuilt in Europe were the concert halls and Opera Houses. People realized that if their CULTURE was extinguished, what was left? The same goes for our arts programs –musicals, music programs, after school programs etc. etc.
YOU KNOW what your program does, (stimulates creativity, promotes teamwork, instills sense of pride and self worth, shows the positive achievements of large groups of students, gets students to ATTEND SCHOOL); but do your Board of Eds, Administrations, community members, local service organizations and local legislators? Our art is performance based - maximize your visibility at every opportunity including other schools in the district, parent groups, community organizations, local business’, senior centers etc. BE PUBLIC, stay positive and pro-active. Toot your own horn….no one else will do it with the same energy or syle.
My friend Larry, a master educator, is the guru of PR. Hands down, he can and has promoted arts programs with unconventional, creative and successful results. He was light years ahead in being proactive of arts cuts. I have asked if he would share a few techniques. Look for a blog from him this week, and stay strong – we are fortunate we can defend something that contributes to the very fabric of our culture! CR
