The arts (musical theater, acting, music, choir, drawing, etc) are often undervalued in the public school system compared to academics. This leaves many students with the desire to perform, unsatisfied and under-appreciated. We see no reason as to why it should only be accessible to those who go to a fine arts school. Musical theater is something people of all ages enjoy. It is shown to have inspired many kids who have an interest in acting and singing to get on stage and do what they truly love. Performers love to discover themselves and their characters and the audiences love to the outcome of that. The district musical is the creative outlet for teens and middle-school students from different and diverse backgrounds to come together and produce something beautiful. To give us one year together and take it away feels like a waste and a shame. Last year, the Board held auditions for their very first district wide musical, doing Les Miserables. It has gotten great reviews and caught the eye of Broadway producers such as the producer of Kinky Boots. We have sold approximately 1,000 tickets for each of the five shows performed. It was a life changing experience for everyone involved, and has even influenced many to pursue a career in drama and theater. We, as students, were told that there were going to be annual performances so we cleared our schedules and relied on the performing arts department to announce the musical. However, this year the board has made an executive decision not to fund for a show. So far, we have not heard a reasonable excuse as to why there won't be any performance this year and many of the students that were and want to be in the show wanted the privilege of saying they took part of such an amazing experience. We only ask of you to help us as students of the Jersey Public Schools and our passion for the arts because no student should be stopped from doing what they love.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
October 13, 2016
Reached 100 supporters
October 11, 2016
124 Comments
I saw the Les Mis show 4 times, and was so inspired by the production and performances. (I have several NYC theater memberships and see tons of professional live theater.) These arts programs are invaluable for kids and promoting creativity, collaboration, innovation, teamwork and so many other life lessions.
the jersey city school district must continue embracing the freedom of expression that we as students deserve. these musicals gives students hope that they can fulfill their dreams and help others do the same. save the musicals here in jersey city!
JCBOE kids in the performing arts department should not be overridden because people believe that they're interests aren't good enough. Let them show their talent. Let them do what they love just as you let a medical science major do what they love.
It's a shame that are children have to fight for these programs. These programs teach them leadership, responsibility, obedience, an outlet to espresso themselves. Without these programs it's allows them spare time to hangout and get involve with the wrong crowd and the streets. A concern parent/aunt.
Being a part of Les Mis was the best thing that happened to me last year. This was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Theater was and is my only outlet in life. Art is what makes me, me
My school has three shows a year and I can’t imagine my life without them. To have one amazing show and get it taken away is terrible.
I am a Jersey City resident and the district muiscal is able to develop and then showcase superb talent. Teaching acting skills helps students builds conffidence and interpersonal skills so this extraordinary. These kids are talented.
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The arts (musical theater, acting, music, choir, drawing, etc) are often undervalued in the public school system compared to academics. This leaves many students with the desire to perform, unsatisfied and under-appreciated. We see no reason as to why it should only be accessible to those who go to a fine arts school. Musical theater is something people of all ages enjoy. It is shown to have inspired many kids who have an interest in acting and singing to get on stage and do what they truly love. Performers love to discover themselves and their characters and the audiences love to the outcome of that. The district musical is the creative outlet for teens and middle-school students from different and diverse backgrounds to come together and produce something beautiful. To give us one year together and take it away feels like a waste and a shame. Last year, the Board held auditions for their very first district wide musical, doing Les Miserables. It has gotten great reviews and caught the eye of Broadway producers such as the producer of Kinky Boots. We have sold approximately 1,000 tickets for each of the five shows performed. It was a life changing experience for everyone involved, and has even influenced many to pursue a career in drama and theater. We, as students, were told that there were going to be annual performances so we cleared our schedules and relied on the performing arts department to announce the musical. However, this year the board has made an executive decision not to fund for a show. So far, we have not heard a reasonable excuse as to why there won't be any performance this year and many of the students that were and want to be in the show wanted the privilege of saying they took part of such an amazing experience. We only ask of you to help us as students of the Jersey Public Schools and our passion for the arts because no student should be stopped from doing what they love.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
October 13, 2016
Reached 100 supporters
October 11, 2016
124 Comments
I was in that play and it was great. I made new friends and I seriously want to become an actor. I don't get how they can't fund the drama fund but yet in a school the can buy about 30 chrome books (computers) for about 8 classes but they can't support this.
I saw the Les Mis show 4 times, and was so inspired by the production and performances. (I have several NYC theater memberships and see tons of professional live theater.) These arts programs are invaluable for kids and promoting creativity, collaboration, innovation, teamwork and so many other life lessions.
the jersey city school district must continue embracing the freedom of expression that we as students deserve. these musicals gives students hope that they can fulfill their dreams and help others do the same. save the musicals here in jersey city!
JCBOE kids in the performing arts department should not be overridden because people believe that they're interests aren't good enough. Let them show their talent. Let them do what they love just as you let a medical science major do what they love.
It's a shame that are children have to fight for these programs. These programs teach them leadership, responsibility, obedience, an outlet to espresso themselves. Without these programs it's allows them spare time to hangout and get involve with the wrong crowd and the streets. A concern parent/aunt.
Being a part of Les Mis was the best thing that happened to me last year. This was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Theater was and is my only outlet in life. Art is what makes me, me
My school has three shows a year and I can’t imagine my life without them. To have one amazing show and get it taken away is terrible.
I am a Jersey City resident and the district muiscal is able to develop and then showcase superb talent. Teaching acting skills helps students builds conffidence and interpersonal skills so this extraordinary. These kids are talented.
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I was in that play and it was great. I made new friends and I seriously want to become an actor. I don't get how they can't fund the drama fund but yet in a school the can buy about 30 chrome books (computers) for about 8 classes but they can't support this.