Tag Archives: Students

There is no question that the arts are a huge building block for learning at early ages for students and young adults. Throughout the holidays and celebrations every year, theatrical productions have been the best way thus far for schools to incorporate information and fun lessons into something interactive. Beyond educationally, being a part of a theater community teaches kids to branch out, make one-of-a-kind connections, and be themselves in a world of individuality. 

When a student is in theater in elementary school, middle school, and high school, they have a choice when it comes to college. Do you pursue a career in your passion: music, and theater? Or do you choose something different due to former opinions of ‘practicality’?

college students working together around computer

Boston University student, Chris Kuiken, explains this in a Boston Globe Theater article written by Kaya Williams. He says, “I was at sort of a crossroads, where I was like: What do I want to do with my life?” he says. “I was going back and forth every day between these two worlds, and trying to figure it out.”

Kuiken graduated from BU in 2017 with experience in theater, both starring in plays and admin work. The article explains, “He chose the “practical” major partly for, well, its practicality and a minor in arts administration.”

“I was at sort of a crossroads, where I was like: What do I want to do with my life?”

Why do you think it’s common for theater to be perceived as an impractical profession? In reality, theater can be more rewarding than most jobs. Creative expression is healthy, and it’s important for everyone to have an outlet. When you love what you do, and you know it’s your passion, sometimes the best thing for us is to follow that. When your outlet can become your profession, we think that’s the ultimate success.

high school theater auditorium seats

The article continues to explain that, “Despite the lucrative jobs that could come with careers in S.T.E.M. fields and business, some students — like Kuiken — are shifting their gaze from Wall Street to Broadway, from laboratory fluorescents to footlights.”

What do you think about this? Do you support the shift of young adults from big business jobs to the arts? How common are theater majors in your school or university? Let us know. We want to hear from you!

Backdrops by Charles H. Stewart has been your leading edge scenic design and backdrop rental company for over 120 years! Come to us with your theatrical needs to enhance your production with well over 1,500 backdrops, drapes, lames, and scrims to choose from in our inventory. We are here to serve all your backdrop and scenic design needs.

 

Thanksgiving: The holiday comes around every November, bringing together communities, families, and friends. When the season comes, we decorate: floats and stages light up with colors and designs, and streets are lined with smiling faces.

For young children and kids, Thanksgiving can be one of the most exciting, expressive and theatrical parts of the year. Parades allow for communities to come together, as people love giving thanks and showing appreciation when the season takes off.

September is the start of the school year, and students are happy to be getting into the groove of things with a new teacher and new classmates. Thanksgiving brings about themes of unity, kindness, and connecting with your roots. Students take the stage, and teachers and directors teach incorporate history lessons through productions. This educational opportunity is also an opportunity for children to be creative and express themselves.

The first Thanksgiving is always one of the most loved productions performed among children ages k-5. This play surrounds the first English settlers coming to the ‘new land’ of America. Themes of this play teach children about following their dreams, aspirations, persevering, and meeting goals.

Thanksgiving School Play

Plymouth Rock is said to be the first piece of land in which the English settlers touched down. This is always a favorite element of Thanksgiving productions in schools. This is often taught by highlighting the interactions between the English and the Native people of this land. This aims to teach people about working together, acceptance, and coexisting. Many Thanksgiving productions also include elements of the Mayflower, the ship in which the English settlers traveled.

When it comes to Thanksgiving parades, there is so much decorating to do on your float! Look to backdrops, interesting props and a cool set design for your float to really capture the essence of the holiday, and still represent your organization. When your family and friends line the street in excitement, you’ll want to showcase your group, club, or your communities hard work in the best way possible. If you’re looking for ideas/inspiration for this year’s float, check out our catalog.

The props, set designs, and costumes for Thanksgiving productions and parades can be extensive and colorful. Children and community members love getting involved, and learning something along the way. No matter what you’re looking for, let Backdrops by Charles H. Stewart inspire your Thanksgiving festivities this year.