Although sports facilities in Lower Makefield Township are being expanded, arts facilities – particularly performing arts facilities – remain poor to nonexistent. We certainly agree that participation in sports is important for our children; however, we would like to point out that participation in the performing arts can be just as beneficial. Children who participate regularly in theater become more self-confident and resilient. They develop public speaking skills that carry over not only into school but into adult life. We would like to suggest that the township consider building or developing a performance space. It could be rented to local theater groups and dance studios for their shows. The Bucks County Performing Arts Center could have a permanent venue. Local residents and teachers could use it for musical recitals. Speakers could be brought in for lecture series. It would include rehearsal space and space for children’s classes and camps, and it might include storage space that could be rented by theater companies to hold their costumes and properties. We believe that such a theater would fill a need in the community and would eventually pay for itself. We hope that the Board of Supervisors will consider this suggestion and will conduct an analysis to determine whether such a project is feasible.

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