The performing arts program at Roosevelt has long been a pillar of the school’s identity, with many students having thrived in a variety of artistic disciplines. The program spans from theater to music and dance.
However, funding has been tight this year. Seattle Public Schools allocates money largely based on student population, and that portion is divided within the school based on need and the number of student participants. The district is currently operating in a deficit, so cuts are common.
According to theater co-director and dance teacher Katie Greve, “Only a certain amount of money is budgeted for teachers based on student enrollment which often means arts are the first to see the cuts to courses.”
Extracurricular programs are not among the most impacted, as they often have alternative sources of funding. Most of the money for theater, for example, comes from previous ticket sales from shows like the spring musical.
Roosevelt Theater Boosters also organize a fundraiser, “Light Up the Stars”, to encourage parents, alumni and community members to donate. Greve said that with the funds from both combined, the program is able to “pay for show licenses, materials… and for industry professionals from the Seattle theater community.”
Unfortunately, the program has had a rough couple of years regarding ticket sales due to the pandemic. Greve said, “We’re still recovering but are hopeful this year will help.”
However without the independent income that theater is able to generate for itself, some elective classes have not been able to recover the same.
Advanced Dance is not currently offered as its own independent courses, with enrolled students now condensed into the same period as beginners. However, Greve expressed that she is hopeful it will be back in the future.
While this is not the first year that such a change has been made, it is disappointing to students nonetheless.
One anonymous student taking Beginning Dance shared, “It’s clear that we are getting the fundamentals, which is really important. I feel kind of bad for the people taking dance for a second semester and for Ms. Greve, because the class has to be adapted to a lot of different skill levels. She definitely manages to do it, but I feel like it would be good if the two classes can eventually be separate again. I’ve really liked it though. I can tell she really tries and loves teaching it. It’s still really fun and I’m gonna do Advanced Dance regardless. So should other people.”
In a joint statement to The Roosevelt News with her Co-Director Ben Stuart, Greve noted that their job “combines two of our favorite things — working with high school students and storytelling. When we come to work, we get to help young people tell stories through text, dance, music and tech elements like costumes, lights, sound etc. We’re extremely grateful for the opportunity.”
For students who hope to see the programs thrive, expressing interest may be a viable option to ensure that enrollment-based funding is secured.
Chloe Johnson ‘24 took a dance class her freshman year and said she highly recommends it to others. “It’s a great way to get PE credit for people who aren’t super sports-oriented… and a great way to get involved in the arts as a freshman.”
She added, “It’s so important that students are given time during the day to express themselves, move their bodies, and let their creativity take over.”
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