TETA Board of Directors
Vice President K-12
With all the bad things that have happened recently and affected the lives of so many across our state, it is easy to focus on the negative. It can be very depressing to say the least. One friend of mine posted on Facebook shortly after the explosion in West, Texas.
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me. “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Fred Rogers
This can make anyone look at the news differently, right?
As a parent, I want to raise my kids to be compassionate and charitable human beings. I want them to see the importance in giving back to society, and find personal joy in doing so. Besides taking the occasional load of unused or outgrown items to Goodwill, I try to find ways where they can give back to society or even to locally volunteer during the summer. I just wish it were more their idea than mine!
Theatre people are some of the most selfless and helpful individuals in today’s society. Lately, there’s evidence of a whirlwind of charitable acts happening in high school and university auditoriums all across our state. Proceeds from one or more productions benefit causes which have personal significance to so many.
Other theatre departments might be looking for others ways to give back to their communities or state. I know of one middle school that accepts canned goods in lieu of an admission charge and gives the whole lot to a local food pantry. An elementary school musical production accepts winter coats and gives to the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army. There’s talk in my district of a Fine Arts Fair being organized in the future and then giving a sizeable donation to a charity. From High School Thespian Troops to a middle school drama club, we should try to find the time at some point during the school year to give back! Here are a few ideas for you, your students and colleagues to check out! Have fun!
www.greatnonprofits.org
www.texascrazy.com
www.bbbs.org (Big Brothers, Big Sisters)
www.thecec.org (Community Enrichment Center)
www.focusonthefamily.com
www.newdayservices.org (children and families)
www.serve.org
www.charity-charities.org
www.secctexas.org
One of the BEST things about SummerFest, besides the professional networking and learning TONS of new teaching and directing ideas, is experiencing first-hand how generous and helpful theatre educators can be. There’s nothing like it. Bring your favorite technology (laptop, iPad, etc.), extra copies of scripts, clothes to move and/or get “dirty” in, tap shoes, and plenty of business cards. Most importantly, bring YOUR SUPERPOWERS! Early Registration deadline is June 1. Everyone who pre-registers gets a free T-shirt! Registration information and lodging information is available on the TETA website.
We hope to see you this summer!