Budget Issues May Influence Drama Club Selections, Performances

This story is the final piece in a three-part series about the effect of tight financial times on extracurricular activities in Northville Public Schools. The first story, on , and the second story, on the , are available on our website.

There’s virtually no part of school life and operations that have not been touched by Northville Schools’ record deficits, but for the high school drama club, it’s difficult to tell at this stage what the effect of those cuts may be.

The Drama Club at – which in recent years has given audiences rousing versions of popular and complex plays like Thoroughly Modern Mille, Cats, and Roger and Hammerstein’s – receives a stipend from the district to cover some costs of producing high-quality shows. But, said Drama Club Advisor Bryan Johnson, those details are up in the air.

“We do not know what the stipend will be,” he said. “That’s not finalized yet.”

What is clear is that economic factors could play into the selections made for the two performances that will take place this year, said Northville High School Principal Robert Watson.

“We do two productions a year – a play and a musical,” he said. “This year, the productions might be plays and musicals that aren’t as expensive."

He added, “But the good news is that there are a lot of very good productions that fit [into those parameters]."

Watson added that it’s clear that productions will need to pay for most, if not all, of its costs through ticket sales and fundraising, which he doesn’t see as insurmountable.

“Our auditorium seats 1,000 people,” he said. “The performances are always packed.”

A popular club

The drama club is a popular activity at the high school. Johnson said it attracts 30 students annually on average. Two years ago, 42 students took part in the club. It’s an extra-curricular activity that is separate from drama class, and there is no student fee for its participants.

Performances are funded through stipends from the district, which pays for direction and sets. The club, however, is responsible for several other production costs, as well as additional help from make-up artists, choreographers and other professionals. Funds are generated from ticket sales, an annual haunted house held at the high school auditorium, bake sales and other activities.

This year, the club hopes to bring in some additional reinforcements for the students, including professional actors who can help young people develop their craft, if finances allow, said Johnson.

The club may have some much-welcomed help this year, however, in the form of the newly-formed NHS Stage Parents group, which will act as boosters for the club.

“The NHS Stage Parents, our new fundraising booster group, hopes to further support the Drama Club with additional efforts,” said Tracy Bins of the State Parents.

“We have already helped secure grants from the Northville High School PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) and the Community Financial Summer of Sharing program, as well as coordinated two summer fundraisers.”

An “invaluable” experience

Northville High School’s productions offer entertainment for the community, and learning opportunities for the performers, said Bins.

“We are so thankful that the district is able to continue supporting the Drama Club with the stipends,” said Bins.

She called the skills learned by the students “invaluable.”

“Cast members gain stage presence and amazing communication skills,” Bins said. “Crew members work hard behind the scenes, displaying a level of creativity that constantly amazes me.”

Johnson said the club is a creative outlets for young people.

“I like to think they get the opportunity to practice what they learn in the class room,” he said. “Creativity is what moves the Drama Club.  Every student is encouraged to express themselves and be as special as they are.”