When there is little to no budget, it takes a great deal of creativity to find costumes, props and sets for an upcoming middle school play. Three important words are as follows: fundraising, begging and donations. Ticket sales will only bring in so much money.
Fundraising to Raise Money
Unless the script was written by the teacher or adviser, there are fees for the script and royalty fees for performances. This amount can fluctuate, depending on the play chosen and the number of students and performances.
Pioneer Drama Services has a nice selection of plays for middle school students, and it has grant opportunities to pay for production materials, royalty fees, texts, DVDs and makeup.
Students can also help raise funds. For each semester class or each performance by a troupe, the group can complete a fundraiser, such as selling candy, cookie dough, wrapping paper, etc. In addition, students can make rounds to local businesses to ask for sponsorship dollars. The businesses can be listed in the performance program or other places as allowed by the school.
Organized Begging
Many parents are well aware that the drama department or club needs additional funds. Sending home a newsletter to allow parents to know what is going on with the drama class or club is a great way to keep parents apprised of all that is going on with the performances and to beg for needed items.
Sometimes these newsletters do not make it home. However, the ones that are found in the bottom of a book bag usually do put parents into action. In addition, the local newspapers will sometimes run a small story with needed items. If the school has a monthly newsletter, needed items can also be listed there.
Bringing in Donations
Donations can help stretch a budget. When asking or begging for donations, the adviser needs to be very specific. Parents like lists. If a piece of furniture or small prop is needed, the adviser can make a list and send it home in a newsletter or flier.
Another great item to ask for is material. In some performances, all of the costumes are made from donated fabric or clothes. In addition, grandparents are another great source of free items. If an adviser can involve grandparents in any way, they are usually more than happy to help.
Some grandmothers and even grandfathers can sew. Sewing costumes can save a great deal of money. Other items that parents or relatives are generally willing to donate are as follows: dishes, tablecloths, clothing, wood, stuffed animals, toys, old Halloween costumes, Christmas lights, etc.
Having an active drama group can greatly enrich many students' lives. Money should not stop a group. It is important for an adviser to be creative to produce and fund the play. This is one situation where being cheap is a good thing.
Kellie Hayden - She is a 19 year veteran teacher with a master's degree in education and NBCT, 2000. Kellie teaches 8th grade language arts, TAG and ...
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