FVHS Theater students traveled to Sacramento to promote arts in education. Photo courtesy of Amy Hollingsworth
By Zainab Khan, staff writer
Fountain Valley’s Theater program traveled to Sacramento, CA to meet with legislators and advocate for arts in schools on March 16-18, as March 17 is California Youth and Theater Day.
The group hoped to educate law-makers on the shortcomings of current theater programs in schools. Many are unaware that there is no theater teaching credential, and language arts teachers end up teaching theater classes. This means there is a chance that someone without a theater background can be assigned to teach a class.
“We want to say to the department of education that there are standards that need to be met and often there are teachers that are not qualified to do that,” Zick stated, “We go there to express and talk to legislators about the value theater has in school and the impact on students.”
The students also met with the California Senator Janet Nguyen and had the chance to ask her some questions about the arts in education, specifically theater.
“My favorite part was meeting people who clearly had the same intuitive drive to follow their passion for such an unappreciated art. It was motivational to know that they understood that theater was dying as an art but still dedicated their careers to helping keep theater in education,” said Ashley Ramos (‘15), a student on the trip.
The theater students also performed on the steps of the capitol building, along with groups from other schools from around the state.
“It was cool to see the arts presented as a benefit to regular education and how people should appreciate the arts,” stated Ashley Leal (‘16).
The students also participated in workshops and performed monologues for other students in attendance.
“I enjoyed being introduced to a group of people that believed theater, all arts at that, are beneficial in shaping a well rounded person,” said Ramos (‘15).
