Thoughts on Student Participation

Learning in the theatre is very much experiential in nature. The educational value a student derives from a theatre program is clearly dependent on the level of their involvement. A student must be present and active in the theatrical process to gain the greatest value from it.

Firestone Theatre’s educational philosophy recommends that the student be actively involved in the ongoing production of live theatre in the school. The student is expected to actively participate either onstage or off in two or more theatre productions each year. We rely on our students to populate the casts and crews of our own productions. The student’s artistic and intellectual growth is directly proportional to the level of his or her involvement in our activities. All theatre students are strongly encouraged to pursue the highest level of participation possible.

As a collaborative art form, theatre is dependent on a large contingent of students with a wide variety of skills and experiences. We recognize that the best theatre artist is one that possesses a life outside of the theatre and encourage students to also follow their non-theatrical passions. We likewise recognize the contributions of others and welcome students from outside the arts program and from other arts areas to participate in our activities. The student may choose to pursue excellent theatre experiences outside of school. This activity, while encouraged, should not impinge the student’s ability to participate in Firestone Theatre activities. Students must find ways to balance their commitment to Firestone Theatre with their other theatrical pursuits.

Firestone Theatre’s educational philosophy encourages students to pursue a variety of school activities whether they are artistic, academic, athletic or otherwise. We recognize the educational benefits of additional school activities and respect the discipline and work ethic each develops in the student. We do not encourage theatre activity at the exclusion of all other activities and expect the same from others. Firestone Theatre firmly believes that no student activity should discourage a student from participation in any or all other school activities.

Firestone Theatre recognizes that the student artist is a student first and therefore must maintain a good academic standing. District and school rules related to extra-curricular eligibility are strictly enforced.

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