Giving Moeller Theater Its Due

By Ryan Bernardon

It’s time for the Moeller community to recognize the significance and value of the theatre program at Moeller.

Despite the theater program’s many gifted students and committed faculty, it has been overlooked and under-appreciated. As we are all members of the Moeller community, it’s our responsibility to make sure that each student’s passion and skills are identified and supported, and that includes individuals who take part in the theater program.

 Theater is an art form that teaches crucial life skills like collaboration, communication, and creativity. It lets students express themselves in a manner that isn't possible in different extracurricular activities. However, despite the clear benefits of theater, it's far more regularly viewed as a "lesser" activity by some when compared to more traditional interests such as sports. This bias towards certain activities is unfair to students who are in theater and undermines the value of the hard work these students put in. By neglecting the theater program, a message is sent that only certain activities are worth pursuing, and this is not true.

This isn't asking for special treatment or favoritism towards the theatre program. Rather, it's a call for recognition for an activity that is often overlooked or viewed less seriously by the Moeller student body. Perhaps taking time to allow students to view part of the fall play and spring musical during school hours would be one way to help students who are unfamiliar with theater develop a greater appreciation for it. We need to recognize that each student has interests and passions, and as a school, we must strive to make all extracurriculars feel important and included.

I think it's time for Moeller to promote the theater program and give it the recognition it deserves. By doing so, we can make sure that each student has the opportunity to pursue his passions and develop important skills while also promoting a more well-rounded experience for everyone to enjoy.