Thank you to everyone who came
and participated in our Student/Parent meeting to help us get organized for the
fall production and its supporting activities.
Here is a summary of the topics
at the meeting:
Rehearsal Schedule is
posted on the Theatre Arts page of the High School Website. As you can see each
rehearsal is segmented out in specific slots of time for each scene so that
students' time and commitment will be kept to an effective amount. Please be
respectful of the time and care this took and avoid additional conflicts that
may result in a casting change. Should a student have to miss rehearsal, please
give Mr. Sullivan as much notice as possible.
Fundraising:
Overview: Overall, I am
committed to lowering the budgets for each production to eliminate wasteful
spending and over taxing the students, parents and community with excessive
fundraising. A significant change already is occurring with the fall
productions now being plays where royalties and production staff will be less of
a cost. It is also my goal to expand the program to include extensive tech
training as well. With students running lights, sound and stage managing we
will lower our costs. These are opportunities that should be provided to
students first and foremost. However, we have a number of capital expenses we
need to keep in mind for the future. We are in need of new wireless mics, new
curtains, and a new sound board.
There are two main accounts
that fundraising supports. First, the stipend account (funds for production
team and school contracted musicians) is fed through an allocation from the town
for Mr. Sullivan's salary, Student User Fees and fundraising. Second is the
activity account (funds for scripts, royalties, paint, materials, and capital
expenses- equipment, curtains, etc.) and is fed through student fundraisers,
ticket sales, ad book.
Traditionally the Friends of
HHSTA raise money for stipends and students raise money for operational. The
only restricted funds are allocation and Student User Fees. Monies raised by
parent booster clubs can be designated to either account if the need arises.
Starting with the first fundraising meeting this year, I will be presenting
numbers to the "Friends" groups to clearly illustrate our overall needs for the
year. What we can raise directly effects what we will produce- but no
matter what we will continue mounting productions.
Yankee Candle: Yankee
Candle packets have gone out. The students are excited for this popular
fundraiser. Online sales are the way to go this year- they make our job a lot
easier and we do not have to pay shipping fees. The sales are already coming
in, and Louise Hardison and Rebecca Rosenbaum are our leading students- so far!
Catalogue sales start Oct. 5 and all sales packets must be brought in by Friday
Oct. 16th. Online sales can be kept open through January 1st. After the first
of the year we will award our top three sellers with movie tickets and gift
cards. Please contact Mr. Sullivan if you need more information.
Rake & Take- This is
our biggest fundraiser of the year! This fall fundraiser has been organized by
Lisa Jenkins for several successful years and our goal this year is $6k.
Students and parents are needed for this effort which requires drivers, rakes,
rakers and large vehicles. Student leaders talked about the hard work brings
them closer as a team/family and can actually be a lot of fun. Dates are Nov.
10th-15th. There is no rehearsal this week to support this campaign!
We're asking parents and students alike to please use the handout to sign up
for a shift and return to Mr. Sullivan by Monday, Oct. 5th. Extra handouts are
in the office. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Lisa
Jenkins (hulloruby@comcast.net) or Mr. Sullivan.
Hull of an Auction: Gina
Froio is the chair of this exciting event coming in January. Lots of great
items are coming in, and ticket sales will have to begin soon. More information
will be available at the next Friends meeting near the end of October. Watch
for a email announcement.
Baskets and Flower Leis of
Money: Susan Jacobvitz has generously donated a money lei (worth over
$100) for raffling during our fall production performances. Also, folks are
asked to consider buying extra Yankee Candles or think of creative items for
raffle baskets for during the productions.
Cleanup: We have
received a dumpster from admin to throw out old set pieces and damaged items
from the trailers. The first priority is cleaning up the back lot of the
school. We will have the trailers through Friday October 9th. Anyone who can
come after school Monday-Thursday to help clean up the lot and throw out any
other items from the stage area is encouraged to come. Please help us out with
this effort!
That's all for now, folks.
Keep an eye out for more information. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger
or watch for more emails.
Thanks everyone! Have a great
weekend.
Mr. Sullivan
