Preserve St. Scholastica's Theatre Legacy

A Silencing of the Fine Arts: College of St. Scholastica Contemplates Theatre Program Closure

Update:

As of the sit in we have hopefully to an agreement on having a limited theatre production with the money we make from this gofundme. All donations will be put directly into putting on a play and continuing the theatre for another year. This may not be what a lot of us had wanted but it gives us a year to work on a more long term solution. A play production costs 5,000 dollars to produce, not including costuming and sets, or time and effort by the staff and members. We have costumes and sets of a limited quantity and are receiving extra help from theatre's around the Duluth area, such as UMD's theatre department. We thank everyone for coming out to show your support and hope that you continue to show your support for the theatre program! We also hope many student and community members will volunteer their time to produce art again together as soon as we can. Thank you all.

In a potential blow to the vibrant artistic community of Duluth, the College of St. Scholastica is currently deliberating the closure of its esteemed Theatre program. While a final decision has yet to be announced, the institution has already made significant staff cuts, leaving many concerned about the future of this vital creative outlet.

Theatre is not merely an extracurricular activity; it is a cornerstone of education, offering students a platform for expression and exploration. Its potential closure not only robs students of invaluable artistic education but also threatens to erode the rich cultural fabric that defines our community.

At its core, theatre is a collaborative endeavor that fosters empathy and understanding. It brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, uniting them in a shared pursuit of creativity and self-expression. Actors, directors, designers, and technicians combine their talents to craft powerful narratives that resonate with audiences on a profound level. In an era marked by division, theatre serves as a unifying force, reminding us of our shared humanity and collective aspirations.

As staunch advocates for the arts, we refuse to remain silent in the face of this potential loss. It is our duty to speak out against the silencing of theatre and to champion its reinstatement within our academic institution. Together, we can ensure that future generations of students have access to the transformative power of theatrical expression.

To demonstrate our commitment to this cause, we invite members of the press and our community to join us for a peaceful sit-in on Monday, April 29th, from 9am to 4pm outside Tower 2111, the office of VP of Academic Affairs, Ryan Sandefer. Together, let us raise our voices in solidarity and demand the preservation of our beloved Theatre program.

The funds raised will go directly to saving the theatre program. Help us save our voices