Whilst I cannot help with the OP's post - I just want to chime in and say how atrocious it is that so many places seem to have given theatre the shove. I have seen three relatively large theatres being turned into cinemas in less than 2 years and it is really annoying me. I have also seen 1 university drop their courses on production, and just lump it in with the acting courses. It is atrocious.
This is indeed an issue. My wife is very involved in the performing arts program at the high school in which she teaches. The administration cares more about athletics than performing arts, despite the vocal music, band and orchestra programs are consistently highly rated in the state of Michigan. The theatre program has turned into a joke, as the sole drama teacher retired four years ago, and the administration has since outsourced the theatre productions to a local who is the president of the local community theatre. Attendance and participation is down to the point that administration is considering dropping the program altogether due to continued budget constraints. It has now become basically up to her (and me by extension) to "save" the theatre program, as she was appointed director of the spring musical.
Priorties are so screwed up in public educational institutions for extracurricular activities. It pains me to know our situation, and then read Jen's.
Best of luck, girl!!
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