Performing Arts& CPA and Scene Shop Provisions

The DHS Drama Club Theatre Arts program offers 3 full productions (Fall, Winter & Spring, each having 120-150 participants per production), a student-directed series of one-act shows (Approx. 120 participants), 5 Improv shows and an Improv Workshop and a Film Festival (student directed and created). This wide variety of opportunities for students brings together as a team the most varied student population of any program, from sports enthusiasts to orchestra aficionado’s to Honors students to wallflowers. The program not only provides theatre-specific growth and education to these students, but also builds life-enhancing skills such as public speaking, leadership, strategic thinking, design and construction, marketing and business management, technical troubleshooting and most importantly, self-confidence. The Drama program also brings live theatre to the community in a variety of forms, enriching its culture and providing affordable family entertainment for everyone.

We are asking for much needed power tools for construction of set pieces and other build items. Our current power tools are falling apart, and batteries are rarely holding a charge. The power tools are used on a weekly basis to design and create the set pieces and structures of Drama performances. Set builds take place every Saturday, 9am-3pm, involving approximately 20-30 students (differing each week), plus 3-5 parent volunteers. This opportunity offers a creative learning space, as well as simple construction knowledge (supervised by adults). Without the much-needed tools, we have a very difficult time working efficiently. Set building is a crucial part of theatre design and stage presence.

In addition, as a member of International Thespian Society (theater honor society) and attendance at the Michigan Thespian Festival, students can compete for college scholarships and earn awards in set, sound, and light design. Having the right tools helps our students get this training in these Technical Theatre areas along with furthering our support of the students’ ambitions and enhancing their career opportunities.

We are also asking for supplies to create 8 replacement platforms (elevated and structurally sound sections of flooring that can withstand walking and dancing at levels of 8' high). Some of the structures are no longer able to be used for elevation, due to repeated use. These platforms are created and kept intact. A typical production uses approximately 10-20 structurally sound platforms. The integrity of the platforms is extremely important for performance and safety. Some platforms have been discarded and others have been repaired repeatedly. We would like to replace at least 8 of them.

The objective of this grant request is to bring consistent quality, expertise and education to the Technical Theatre portion of the Drama Club, along with the tools necessary, for our volunteers and families, to properly maintain safety and the value of our program. It often seems in the wake of economic recessions that the arts often become an expenditure that school districts do not believe they can afford. It is our belief that these arts are imperative to a comprehensive curriculum and education. Moreover, the skills learned in these activities are vital to a student’s future and if it is within our power to set up these programs for success it is my belief we are better educators for doing so. Whether students pursue a career within the theater or not, the skills learned through extracurricular activities like Drama, Choir, Orchestra, Band, and Student Council (such as leadership, discipline, teamwork, self-confidence, and effective communication) will be used throughout their lives.