Pioneer Drama
Plays
  • All Plays
  • Full Length
  • Children's
  • One Act
  • Melodrama
  • Christmas
  • Radio Plays
  • Virtual Theatre
  • Show Suggestion Service
Musicals
  • All Musicals
  • Full Length
  • Children's
  • One Act
  • Melodrama
  • Christmas
  • Show Suggestion Service
Texts, DVDs, Makeup
  • Teaching Aids
  • Curriculum Books
  • Theatre Games
  • Monologues
  • Duet Scenes
  • Scenes & Short Plays
  • Shakespeare
  • Readers Theatre
  • Speech & Forensics
  • Improvisation
  • Directing
  • Music & Choreography
  • Costuming
  • Melodrama
  • Technical
  • Makeup
  • Makeup Kits
  • Broadway
  • All Texts & Aids
FAQ
  • Shopping
    Online
  • Copyrights & Royalties
  • Shipping & Invoicing
  • Electronic Delivery
  • Promoting Your Production
  •  W-9 & Other   Forms 
  • Perusal
    Program
Discover
  • About Us
  • Save on
    Preview Scripts
  • Electronic
    Scripts
  • New
    Releases
  • Meet Our
    Writers
  • Submitting Plays
    or Musicals
  • Request a
    Catalog
  • Additional
    Resources
  • Blogs and
    Newsletters
  • Giving
    Back
  • What Customers
    Are Saying
Search
Call us!  800-33-DRAMA (800-333-7262)
My Cart • E-view Login
E-view Login

Email Address:
Password:
  FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?
 
NOT ALREADY REGISTERED FOR AN ELECTRONIC PREVIEW LIBRARY?
SIGN UP HERE.
Forgot your password?
NOT ALREADY REGISTERED?  SIGN UP HERE.

Email Address:
   
EMAIL MY PASSWORD PLEASE
Newsletter:  Advocating for the Arts
 
MAR
7
2017

Be a Champion of the Arts

Helpful resources for advocating for the arts 
 

We don’t have to tell you — you all know the challenges and struggles with funding a theatre program, and sadly, that is not likely to change any time soon.  Despite reports that show how beneficial school arts programs are to the development of our children, budgets remain tight and creative fundraising is the name of the game.

Beyond fundraising, however, it’s also important to advocate for your program.  When it comes time to apply for your annual budget, you should come prepared with an armory of information to justify your existence.  There are dozens of studies out there that show the benefits children receive from participating in the performing arts.  In the resources section below are links with helpful information for you to use.

It also helps to build a year-round strategy utilizing parents of your students to write letters advocating for your arts program to school and district administrators and the local school board.  Past students who’ve now graduated from college can also write powerful testimonials as to how their high school theatre experience has helped them in their college success, job search, and career.

In order to help secure continued funding for programs like yours, the National Arts Education Association (NAEA) gives the following advice for advocacy.  Notice how the three sections all connect to each other, building an advocacy web.

Communicate a clear MESSAGE

  • The message is the answer to the question:  “Why is learning in the performing arts essential to education in the 21st century?”
  • Use data.
  • Tell compelling personal stories.
  • Tap into your NETWORK’s values and concerns.
  • Make your message VISIBLE.

Be VISIBLE

  • Make an advocacy plan.
  • Get out of your theater and into the community with your MESSAGE.
  • Capitalize on the “visual” part of theatre.
  • Show your NETWORK what arts literacy, 21st century college and career readiness, and engaged learning look like through exhibitions, media stories, and community events.  (HINT:  The work and “voices” of your students are the most compelling.)

Activate an Advocacy NETWORK

  • Identify and build an advocacy network.  Action requires committed people.  Include parents, students, administrators, and the media to influence education decision makers and legislators.
  • Communicate your MESSAGE to your network.
  • Partner with your state/regional NAEA organization, your state Alliance for Arts Education affiliate, and your state’s arts advocacy citizens group.
  • Leverage your network to impact policy and budget.
  • Keep your network engaged by being VISIBLE.
  • Activate your network in times of crisis.  (HINT:  A parent network can be your most effective advocacy tool.  Think social networking.)

Resources

The following resources are just a few we found that will help you with your process.  If you know of others that you find especially helpful, let us know and we will update this list!  (Note:  The pdfs linked below may have a virus warning, but they are all from trusted sites.)

  • The Arts Education Parent Advocacy Toolkit
  • Kennedy Center “Why Art Matters” articles
  • Benefits of High Arts Involvement
  • Art Involvement’s Impact on Dropout Rate
  • Preparing Students for the Workplace
  • 3 Reasons Why Brain Research Should Guide Arts Scheduling in Schools
  • Arts Education Partnership Research & Policy — ArtScan
  • Performing Arts Alliance Advocacy Basics

In the Spotlight
Cover for Cornfield of Dreams

Cornfield of Dreams
Get ready for the corniest play this side of the Mississippi, whichever side you’re on!  Puns keep popping up in this wacky melodrama like a Jiffy Pop ready to explode!
Cover for No Strings Attached

No Strings Attached
With fun dialogue, a variety of modern music and a surprise ending, audiences of all ages will enjoy this new take on an old favorite!
Cover for Dress Rehearsal for Murder

Dress Rehearsal for Murder
When Riviera’s fiancé, Bernard the Mime, turns up dead and his body then disappears, the list of suspects is long — seems like there isn’t a man in the place who’s not vying for Riviera’s affection.
Cover for To Art and Beyond

To Art and Beyond
Amazingly easy to stage, there’s a joyous sense of fun and adventure as the play leads your audience on a wonderful exploration of the world of art and how we connect with it.

Like what you've read?  Subscribe to our email newsletter.
Close
Search Our Catalog




Drag Sliders to Adjust Ranges
Cast Size:
1
35+

 

Running Time: Min.
15 Min.
120 Min.

• Call us at 800-33-DRAMA (800-333-7262) •
Home  |  Plays  |  Musicals  |  Texts, DVDs & Makeup  |  FAQ  |  Newsletters  |  Sitemap  |  About Us  |  Contact Us
Privacy Policy  |  109 Inverness Dr E, Suite H, Englewood, CO  80112  |  © 2005-2025 — Pioneer Drama Service, Inc.