From Frustration to Action: How We’re Fighting to Save Our Theater Program
In my last post, I shared the heartbreaking reality of watching our nationally recognized theater program being dismantled without our input. It’s a story that resonates with so many in arts education, feeling powerless as decisions are made that undermine the work we’ve dedicated our lives to. But today, I want to shift the focus from frustration to action. Because while we may not have been part of the initial conversations, we are taking steps to change the narrative and fight for the future of our program.
And if we can do it, so can you.
Why Advocacy Matters
The Arts are not extras. They are essential. They teach students creativity, collaboration, confidence, and critical thinking. They bring communities together and give students a space to explore their passions. They give communities safe spaces to have difficult conversations. They allow us to share stories and experience different points of view without having to travel very far from home. When programs like ours are threatened, it’s not just about losing shows or classes. It’s about losing opportunities for students to grow, to shine, and to discover who they are. It’s about losing a piece of the community.
But here’s the good news. We are not powerless. There are ways to advocate for our programs, to show their value, and to rally support. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.
What Steps Are We Taking?
Fighting for Our Classes
First, find your advocates. We are fortunate in that our building administrators are on our side. They know, because they have been part of the building long term, seen our programs, and been part of our productions, how important we are to the fabric and identity of our school. This week, we had a meeting to discuss the classes the district wants to cut. Our goal? To not only keep the class we’re at risk of losing but to expand it to the other schools in our district. We made a strong case for why theater education matters beyond an after school activity. How it benefits students, how it aligns with educational goals, and how not acknowledging theater as a viable course of study would be a loss for everyone. If you’re facing similar threats, show up to these meetings prepared. Bring data, student testimonials, and examples of how your program has made a difference. Make it impossible for them to ignore your value. We brought our schedules (to show the amount of time and work goes into rehearsals), our academic expectations for students (to show the research and rigor that goes into analyzing a script), our breakdown of skills learned in the rehearsal and tech process, and testimonials from students about what they gain from being a part of productions.
And our representative from the district listened. She asked questions. She clearly articulated what they didn’t understand and what they needed to see from us. We were able to provide the information they needed and create a plan to create a structure the district could approve. After two years of feeling ignored, this week, we felt heard.
Hosting an Arts Inferno Night
We’re not just fighting to save theater, we’re advocating for all the arts in our building. That’s why we’re hosting an Arts Inferno Night (themed to our school mascot), a celebration of everything creative in our school. Part awareness campaign, part fund raiser, we want all our arts to be seen. Theater, music, visual arts, dance, you name it, we’re showcasing it. This event isn’t just about putting on a great show, it’s about reminding our community how vibrant and essential the arts are to our school’s identity.
If you want to host an arts night, it’s an easy event. You don’t need to do anything extra to showcase what you already have. Invite everyone. Make it a can’t-miss event. We are centering ours around the music department’s percussion recital. Use pieces you already have. Set up stations. Check out the blog, Galley Night, from last year that lays out the plan.
Show them what students are accomplishing and show them what they stand to lose if these programs are cut.
Securing a Legacy Grant
One of the biggest blows to our program was losing the stipends that allowed us to bring in professional artists to work with our students. But we’re fortunate. We’ve secured a legacy grant to help fund these opportunities again. This grant will allow us to continue exposing students to high-level artistry and mentorship. Ours was gifted in the will of an alumnus who felt his life had been changed by theater. Not everyone has that, but grants are out there, large and small.
If your program is struggling with funding, look for grants, partnerships, or community opportunities. There are organizations out there that want to support the arts, you just have to find them and make your case.
Retaining Our Elementary School Outreach
For two years, our program took shows into the elementary schools, giving younger students a taste of theater and inspiring the next generation of performers and crew members. We did this free of charge, absorbing the cost of royalties, materials, and travel so we could inspire the k-5 crowd. With the funding cuts, we cannot make this work in our upcoming school year. Yet. Outreach matters. It builds support for your program from the ground up. Parents, teachers, and students who experience the magic of theater firsthand are more likely to advocate for it later. So we’re actively seeking sponsors to continue this work.
Continuing Community Outreach
We’re not just talking to the people inside our buildings. We’re reaching out to the broader community, national businesses, local businesses, alumni, arts organizations, to build alliances and secure support. The more people who understand the value of what we do, the harder it is for decision-makers to ignore us. Tell your story. Tell your story to your school boards and district leadership. Share your successes. Be constant and consistent. Make sure everyone knows what’s at stake. Enlist parents to be vocal on your behalf. Hoping to fly under the radar isn’t an option when the future of the arts in education is at stake. And unfortunately, it is constantly at stake.
How You Can Take Action Too
If you’re reading this and feeling the same frustration we’ve felt, here’s what you can do. None of these are new techniques. There is a reason they work. They are time consuming because it is all about building the relationships that lead to support.
Show Up and Speak Up: Attend school board meetings, parent-teacher associations, and any other forums where decisions are made. Advocate for your program with passion and facts.
Host Events: Host a showcase, or an open house. Invite the community to see the impact of the arts firsthand. Get students to share. They are the ultimate stakeholders.
Seek Funding: Look for grants, partnerships, and fundraising opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask for support. As my husband says, be shameless about asking. The worst they will say is no.
Build Alliances: Partner with other arts programs, local businesses, and alumni. The more voices you have on your side, the stronger your case.
Tell Your Story: Use social media, local news, or a blog (like this one!) to share what your program means to you, your students, and your community.
A Call to Unity
We can’t do this alone. But together, we can make a difference. If you’re fighting for your program, know that you’re not alone. There are teachers, students, parents, and community members all over the country who are doing the same. Share your stories. Support each other. And keep pushing forward.
The arts are worth fighting for. Our students are worth fighting for. And if we stand together, we can turn frustration into action, and action into change.
Looking for community? Join us on Facebook at Backstage AIC’s group
