Last week, the Tyrone Area School Board approved a district contribution for the spring musical production.
This year’s production is “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” The play is scheduled for Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 at the Tyrone Area High School auditorium.
The district’s projected contribution will be $2,930.
At last week’s meeting, school board member Ray Detwiler expressed concern about some of the costs associated with the production and wondered if some of the costs could be reduced by the use of students versus professionals.
The show’s musical director and producer, Catherine J. Young of the school’s music department, responded by explaining how students are used both on-stage and behind the scenes. She explained certain aspects of the production such as sound and lighting require professional expertise to ensure things go smoothly and to avoid damage to expensive systems.
She said professionals are hired for the orchestra pit to ensure the quality of the performance. She indicated high school musicians may not have reached a certain skill or expertise level to perform some of the production numbers.
She explained the practice time she and the students would have to dedicate to master certain pieces of music would be extensive and might take away from other areas needed to get ready for the show.
In a release to The Daily Herald, Young detailed the projected costs and projected income that will be brought into cover those costs.
The play is expected to generate $11,000 in ticket sales, $2,500 in program ads, $400 in concessions and flowers and $1,500 from patron contributions.
Some of the major costs associated with the play include set design and construction, $3,650; costumes and accessories, $3,250; orchestra, $2,500; royalties, $2,130 and a Choreographer, $2,000.
Other costs involve sound design and operation, lighting design and operation, promotional materials, programs and other expenses for make-up, props and other items.
The total outlay for the production was projected at $18,330 with a total projected income of $15,400. The district’s contribution of $2,930 will make up the difference between the projected costs and the projected income.
Young said ticket sales are based on reserved tickets being sold for $8 and general admission being sold for $5. She explained the auditorium seats approximately 1,100 people and the music department is hopeful of a sellout crowd each night.
After the meeting, Detwiler indicated he was satisfied with Young’s explanation and had learned something about what it takes to put on such a performance.
In other business last week, the board approved the addition of a girls varsity and boys varsity soccer team for the 2005-06 school year with a budget of $15,496.
