I am a new teacher at a school with a dismal history of productions and drama teachers. I came on last spring as a parent and directed a show that nearly sold out both nights. I was hired and this year decided to tackle Sound of Music. It was a hit and sold out for the 3 performances! The headmaster is very excited as it is a private school and he can now use this as a selling point to potential student's parents. He said there had never been anything accomplished like this at our school and is thrilled. In our enconomy I am thrilled as it means I have a job next year.

 

Now-I took none of the profits from last year's show for my classroom. Only using "class fees" for anything. I was able however, to use the profits to write a check outright for the royalties to R&H for the musical this year. We were successful in fundraising and did well in donations and to top it off - did the same with the box office intake.  I earned nothing ontop of my salary for directing the production which rehearsed after school. I intended on all funds we made this year going toward next year's show and buying additional lights and sound that will benefit not only the drama dept but choir or anyone else using the stage. My musical director is also the choir teacher and has informed me she wants 25% of the box office intake for the choir. I tried to explain what I have just written here and that I do not plan on taking any for my "class". She says it still benefits me more and she deserves some for her and that without her choir students the musical could not have happened. I tink her argument is a tad rediculous as her choir student were not made to suditiona dn they certainly benefitted from my directing and acting coaching. Also, many of her choir students who had leads take private lessons. A friend who is also president of our community theatre boaord offered this: to take the box office and deduct all expenses from it and then give her 25% of that to play nice. I am not trying to be greedy, just trying to build a program here. Having musicals I think would increase students signing up for both choir and drama and inturn increasing "class fee accounts".

Input anyone?

There are some advantages, but many disadvantages as well.  Since it is an after-school activity and school sponsored she has to compete for funds against athletics and other activities.  Also, theatre falls under the same rules such as not being able to participate if your grades aren't up to par (football, for instance, has back up for positions but in the play they do not.  Football goes on for many weekends.  The plays are just one). There is also an activity fee for participating in any after-school activity.  If you are in a play, it is a $75 fee.