Edison High School has decided to reduce the theater arts teacher position from full-time to half-time.  Both in-school and after school programs will suffer if the theater teacher position is reduced to a half-time position.

Edison parents, students, alumni, and community members need to show their support to keep the theater arts teacher full-time. Otherwise, our students' will be deprived of a unique opportunity to participate in a quality educational activity. Theater participation teaches students to work together for a common goal and builds confidence.

Classroom ramifications

The theater arts teacher position has always been full-time, currently also covering film studies classes.  Historically, the theater arts teacher at Edison has also been used to teach speech and English classes.  Broadcasting and personal finance classes are further options that other Fairfax Country schools have programmed to keep their theater teacher at full-time.

Reducing the number of Theater Arts classes based on projected enrollment numbers excludes the possibility that any incoming students during the summer or in the coming year can participate in the class.  Edison has always seen new students arriving after pre-registration who express interest in taking a theater arts class.

The Theater Arts teacher supports many other school activities. He provides auditorium tech support for all events, both during school days, after school, and on weekends.  A part-time employee would not be available to support extra school events.

After-school ramifications

An effective theater production takes daily, full-time attention, and a part-time teacher cannot be expected to dedicate the necessary time and attention.  This would deprive a large number of Edison students of a positive, enriching after-school activity. 

Currently the after-school program holds three productions a year, a fall play, the One Act Festival, and a spring musical. This requires rehearsals 5 or 6 times a week from the beginning of school in September to the middle of May. In addition to theater productions the after school club offers students opportunities such as workshops with professional actors, trips to see professional theater, club events and an annual awards night celebrating the students achievements.

Edison Theater actively involves more students than almost any other extracurricular activity.  The theater provides an after-school activity for 150 to 200 Edison students a year.

The Theater has an established tradition that is an important part of the Edison community.  It also attracts many people from the local area, contributing to a strong positive community reputation. Reducing the quality and quantity of Edison's productions will diminish Edison's reputation.

Theater productions place no financial burden on Edison High School.  All after-school activities and production costs are paid for by donations and ticket sales.  The only cost to the school is the teacher's salary and facility use. Additionally, students are not charged participation fees.

Please support our appeal to continue the full-time Edison Theater Arts position. Our students and our community should not lose this enriching program.