There will be a meeting on Tuesday, Nov 2, at 7 p.m. at CP Allen High School of the remaining volunteers and other interested persons who want a theatre included in the new high school that will replace CPA.
The purpose is to regroup and explore a last ditch effort to obtain this much needed enhancement.
Here is the situation: The previous attempt in association with the Cobequid Cultural Society to include a regional cultural arts centre in our new high school did not work.
To be clear, even though the need for a theatre in the high school still exists, there is no chance of having a theatre in the new high school unless the community puts forward a new proposal and finds the funds in short order.
Several of us (parents & community members) who worked on the first attempt agree that a theatre, much smaller than originally proposed, makes sense. We are thinking of a black box style, with seating capacity of about 250 with the ability to retract seats to have open space for other uses.
A facility like this could host the school’s music and dance program performances, provide space for visual art exhibits, school musicals, school dinner theatres, special productions, and guest speakers.
This issue is of importance to anyone with children and grandchildren in the CPA catchment area.
* The new high school ought to have a lifespan of 40-50 years minimum.
We have a highly ranked school — check out the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies website (www.aims.ca). CPA is 2nd in the province, first among metro schools.
The school catchment area needs to make sure that this new school is as good as it can be, take the long view and ensure that a theatre is included for the fine arts experience of the 16,000 students who will eventually graduate over the next 40 years.
We must not limit the talent and potential educational experiences of more than two generations of students. The fine arts is a required component of the educational experience of all high school students. It is an area of special interest, expression and talent for many.
Did you know? In 2009 dedicated CPA fine arts teachers obtained grants to: 1) commission an orchestral piece and provide students with the experience of working with professional musicians & 2) provide resources so students could work in the exciting new medium of light graffiti.
The band gave two public performances of their commissioned work; none were in the school catchment area. The students’ light graffiti works are not on display, even in the hallway, because fire regulations do not allow.
The Fine Arts Department collaborative work “904” combined music, drama, movement and visual arts in a stunning presentation about the Halifax Explosion at St Paul’s Church, in Halifax as part of Nocturne 2010. CPA was the only high school to participate in this event. Re-staging this in a gym does not honour their work.
* Two arguments you might hear hold no weight where are our CPA students are concerned.
The first, “you don’t need a theatre because Bella Rose is 10 minutes down the road”. How can we expect to continue building and then maintain a powerful fine arts program when our significant, and most powerful and professional fine arts events have to be held outside the school community? Keep in mind too, we cannot produce all of our band concerts for example, outside the school—it’s too costly with facility rental, bus rental, and time expenditures to produce off site.
The second, because “you have never had a theatre you don’t need one” also carries no weight. There is a need. We fall behind if we do not have one. It is something that ought to be included in new high schools. Dartmouth, Citadel, Halifax West, & Prince Andrew High all have theatres.
So, the situation is critical and there are no guarantees; but without an effort, there is no chance whatsoever to have a theatre affiliated with the high school and the opportunity will be lost for sure.
1. Interested people must step forward now, to express support and help. Please join the remaining volunteers at a meeting to regroup on Tuesday, Nov 2 at 7 pm, at CPA.
2. We need someone to take a leadership role.There are still some committed volunteers, but we need fresh leadership and more help. Maybe you can do this or know someone?
3. Email all your elected officials and express your views now. If you want a theatre in the new high, tell the school board rep, your Councillor, Mayor, MLA, and the Minister of Education.
4. Email the volunteers who wish to continue & express your support and/or offer of assistance. That email address is: highschooltheatre@gmail.com.
Thank you for your attention to this important educational and community matter.
Elaine Loney
