ATU Students React to Canceled Theater Season
By: Brittney Johnson, KARK 4 News
Updated: January 13, 2012
Theater students at Arkansas Tech are still reeling from the university's decision to cancel all Spring 2012 performances without an alternative plan for students.
Hannah-Leigh Baker said, "This isn't the education my mom is paying for, it's not the education I'm going to be paying for for the next 20 years."
Student Caitlin Avant said, "I worked here and cried in here. It hurts my heart. I'm very, very disappointed."
University administrators closed the workspace known as the Techionary last year, saying a fire marshal's report mandated they deal with electrical and maintenance issues that could be hazardous to student safety. This week they announced it would remain closed for the rest of the Spring season and they don't have a temporary solution.
"One of my professors told me you are now the stage manager of air. Nothing, there is nothing there," said Natasha Rackley.
Right now that means no acting, no lighting and no set designing.
Student Sarah Linker said, "I'm a makeup artist. I work back stage and to not be able to do it hurts a lot, it's a big deal for me."
"Devastating. I still haven't gotten over it, probably won't," Rosalyn Moix added.
Even alumni are speaking out hoping the legacy they've built will remain.
"We have talked and talked this up to our kids and to our students, what now? What are they going to have to go to," said Jennifer McNeely.
Now these students say their voices have become their only weapon in their fight to hold on to what they love.
Colton Holder said, "Clich as it is, the show must go on."
The director says she was too emotional to speak on camera, but is disappointed by the lack of support from the university. As far as other options, right now, another school has offered to let the students enroll late, but the director does not want to dismantle the program.
Hannah-Leigh Baker said, "This isn't the education my mom is paying for, it's not the education I'm going to be paying for for the next 20 years."
Student Caitlin Avant said, "I worked here and cried in here. It hurts my heart. I'm very, very disappointed."
University administrators closed the workspace known as the Techionary last year, saying a fire marshal's report mandated they deal with electrical and maintenance issues that could be hazardous to student safety. This week they announced it would remain closed for the rest of the Spring season and they don't have a temporary solution.
"One of my professors told me you are now the stage manager of air. Nothing, there is nothing there," said Natasha Rackley.
Right now that means no acting, no lighting and no set designing.
Student Sarah Linker said, "I'm a makeup artist. I work back stage and to not be able to do it hurts a lot, it's a big deal for me."
"Devastating. I still haven't gotten over it, probably won't," Rosalyn Moix added.
Even alumni are speaking out hoping the legacy they've built will remain.
"We have talked and talked this up to our kids and to our students, what now? What are they going to have to go to," said Jennifer McNeely.
Now these students say their voices have become their only weapon in their fight to hold on to what they love.
Colton Holder said, "Clich as it is, the show must go on."
The director says she was too emotional to speak on camera, but is disappointed by the lack of support from the university. As far as other options, right now, another school has offered to let the students enroll late, but the director does not want to dismantle the program.
Comments
What is ATU thinking! To dispose of a fine arts program shows very little class. As a mother of a theater major, and alumni I must say that it may be time to replace some employees at ATU. No university is complete without the arts!
Talli M.
January 16, 2012 at 6:16 pm
There is so much more to this story! I am VERY disappointed in my school and their lack of communication with all involved. This could have been prevented long ago if ATU had only listened to the faculty and students who are now being punished. The good news is we have plenty of new trees (donated, but Tech employees did all of the physical labor), sidewalks, a bell tower, and a filled in swimming pool I was told our football team would use as an indoor practice field. Hooray for the arts!
beth m.
January 14, 2012 at 10:47 pm
May I ask why the students need to lose their opportunities to learn while the administration looks for an alternative space? There are many places on the ATU campus that can be used for performances including Witherspoon Auditorium, which can have some other events rearranged in order to accommodate the Theatre Department. Why must one Department have nothing while other Departments use the main performance space on campus all the time?
Also, it is my opinion that it is time for ATU to build a performing arts center that would draw business and students looking for a good education to the University and the surrounding community. Arkansas residents should not have to always drive to Fayetteville or Little Rock to enjoy live performances of music, dance or theater.
All everyone talks about now is jobs and money. Build the space and put people to work doing that. Create programing and put people to work doing that. Perform the programming and put people to work doing that. Sounds like a win-win situation to me.
Rhonda D.
January 14, 2012 at 12:56 pm
I really hope the press digs deeper instead of just excepting ATU offical version of the situation. Funny how the other half of the building with the wiring issues is still open. They are using this as an excuse to close the theater departmant.......dig deeper guys there is a bigger story here.
Suzanne A.
January 14, 2012 at 12:42 pm
I really hope the press digs deeper instead of just excepting ATU offical version of the situation. Funny how the other half of the building with the wiring issues is still open. They are using this as an excuse to close the theater departmant.......dig deeper guys there is a bigger story here.
Suzanne A.
January 14, 2012 at 12:41 pm
As a graduate of ATU, a public school teacher for 28 years, and the mother of a theater major at Tech, I am disturbed by the decision to basically shut down the theater program. It is ironic that just when Russellville High School is opening a new fine arts auditorium and is expanding its theater program, ATU is on the brink of doing away with theater. Supporters of the arts must unite and speak out for these talented students and their director Ardith Morris. Unless we protest, the theater program at ATU will soon go the way of the Tech swimming pool, which has also hurt dedicated students who are trying to develop their talents. This decision hurts not only the reputation of Arkansas Tech but also damages the entire community of Russellville.
Kim H.
January 14, 2012 at 9:59 am
