Value in theatre arts
College of Piping program cancellation raises questions
“The theatre arts are not financially feasible” is the letter I received about the cancellation of the College of Pipings theatre and arts program as well as their upcoming performance of Grease, the musical. Unfortunately, as an arts student myself, this is a phrase I have heard more often than not, and not just from my parents.
Being someone who has taught in elementary and secondary schools here on P.E.I., I was astounded to find out the lack of arts education in schools on the Island. For a community of people who pride themselves in the local Island talent of singers, dancers, actors, artisans and what have you; the arts programming in schools sure doesn’t reflect that. It has been proven that an education in the arts can lead to children becoming more empathetic, creative and social, as well as have a better understanding for the world around them. Just Google it! Or if you have a passionate artist, dancer, actor, writer at home, ask them why they love the arts they do. Or better yet, ask yourself what have the arts brought to the life of your child?
With a lack of this programming in schools, students have to go to outside sources to obtain arts training. So, what happens when these programs are deemed "not financially feasible?" What does this communicate to our children and students when we say things like this to them? Sorry, your arts education isn’t worth the time or money because there isn’t financial stability or "feasibility" attached to it. We might as well tell them the tooth fairy doesn't exist and put an end to their dreaming right now. Seems harsh, yes, but coming from someone who constantly hears the downplay of arts programs, I am a little sick and tired of being run over by the proverbial bus.
The connections theatre arts, dance or arts programs make for children broaden their horizons on so many levels, many of which have nothing to do with financial reliability. To have an establishment like the College of Piping refer to one of their offered programs as not "financially feasible" begs us to contemplate the question: can we only judge art by its financial feasibility? What about the countless hours of rehearsal, prep time, community building these students did in order to do something they love? Does this time count for nothing if it doesn't carry a price tag? Theatre and arts is a selfless labour of love with most of the time yielding very little financial gain. But why do we do it? Because the arts have given us something to connect to as human beings. Think of your favourite song, movie, book, painting, ballet, comic book, video game; all art in their own right. Do you think the creators of these pieces ever let "financial feasibility" stop them from creating? How would your world suffer with less art?