School productions are a culmination of students' hard work and dedication, and having faculty and staff support adds tremendous value to the overall experience. However, engaging faculty and staff members in attending school productions can sometimes be challenging. In this blog post, we will explore strategies for theatre teachers to increase faculty and staff attendance, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for the students' artistic endeavors.
- Create Personal Invitations:
- Personally invite faculty and staff members to the productions, either through written invitations or face-to-face conversations.
- Highlight the importance of their presence and support in creating a vibrant and inclusive school community.
- Schedule Productions Strategically:
- Consider the school calendar and schedule productions during times that are convenient for faculty and staff members.
- Avoid conflicts with other school events or busy periods, allowing them to prioritize attending the productions.
- Offer Complimentary Tickets:
- Provide complimentary tickets or reduced-price tickets to encourage faculty and staff attendance.
- Express appreciation for their dedication to the school community by making it easier for them to attend.
- Organize Special Previews or Receptions:
- Arrange exclusive previews or receptions for faculty and staff members, providing them with a unique experience before or after the production.
- This gives them an opportunity to engage with the students, appreciate their talents, and socialize with colleagues.
- Communicate the Educational Value:
- Emphasize the educational benefits of attending school productions, such as supporting students' growth, creativity, and confidence.
- Highlight the positive impact faculty and staff attendance can have on students' motivation and sense of accomplishment.
- Share Student Success Stories:
- Regularly share stories or testimonials from students who have benefited from faculty and staff attendance at previous productions.
- Highlight the lasting impact it had on their artistic development and overall school experience.
- Collaborate with Other Departments:
- Reach out to other departments, such as the English department or social studies department, to explore ways of integrating the productions into their curriculum.
- Highlight how attending the performances can enhance students' learning in other subject areas.
- Provide Background Information:
- Share background information about the production, such as the themes, historical context, or relevant artistic references.
- This helps faculty and staff members feel more connected to the production and enhances their understanding and enjoyment.
- Express Appreciation:
- Show gratitude to faculty and staff members who attend the productions through personalized thank-you notes or public acknowledgments.
- Recognize their support during school announcements or in newsletters, expressing how their presence positively impacts the students.
- Seek Feedback and Suggestions:
- Encourage faculty and staff members to provide feedback and suggestions for future productions.
- Create an open dialogue that fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration, making them feel valued as part of the theatre community.
Increasing faculty and staff attendance at school productions is a wonderful way to cultivate a supportive and engaged school community. By extending personal invitations, offering complimentary tickets, and organizing special previews or receptions, theatre teachers can demonstrate their appreciation for faculty and staff involvement. Communicating the educational value, sharing student success stories, and collaborating with other departments further emphasizes the significance of attending school productions. Remember to express gratitude and seek feedback to continuously improve the experience for both the students and the faculty and staff members. Let us unite in celebrating the artistic achievements of students and fostering a vibrant theatre community that extends beyond the stage.
Copyright, 2024, James Chrismon, All Rights Reserved
