Often overshadowed by the frustrations and triumphs of Quartz Hill’s sports teams is the school’s bustling arts community. Vibrant and rich, it blesses the campus with entertainment and exciting opportunities for those willing to step out of their comfort zone. However, many in this community feel that their school has not done enough to facilitate a culture of expression. It is past time for Quartz Hill to provide them with a center for their creativity: a theater. 

Theaters have been the hubs of artistry since the dawn of humanity. From the Ancient Greeks to Elizabethan Englishmen, the value of the performing and musical arts has been recognized as an integral part of society. Their modern day counterparts live among us and carry on their traditions. The band, drama, and choir teams among others are committed to their craft and proudly display their talents whenever possible. With performances put on periodically throughout the year, they provide a necessary escape from the stress of everyday school work. However, these groups often struggle with where to hold such events. 

I spoke to Hailey Emerson, the treasurer of Drama Club, who told me that the club has been forced to practice for their shows in their advisor’s classroom. When it comes to performances, they often showcase their work in the 200 quad cafeteria. She stated that, “We can’t fit as many chairs in the cafeteria, so we can’t sell as many tickets. So, Drama Club doesn’t make as much money as we potentially could.” I attended a production of 12 Angry Jurors last year and witnessed this problem first hand. A large set of seats had to be placed in a room that appeared too small to hold so many people. The production design was wonderful but felt too close to the audience in attendance.

Other students felt that their school just hasn’t evolved with it’s student body. “It’s an old school and I’m pretty sure people didn’t think that the arts were important back then,” said Camille Reyes, a junior in band. Other high schools in the area have their own theaters that they use for events. Most of them were built after Quartz Hill and have newer campuses. Regardless, with our school being one of the largest and most diverse, it is important that we be afforded the same opportunities for artistic expression as others.

Of course, there is the issue of affording and constructing such a complex. This project would likely require endless paperwork and navigation of regulations to simply begin. Finding the money would be extremely difficult, placing our school under restraint with regards to paying for other departments or activities. Even a location would be hard to come by. Ethan Mauk, another junior in band, simply stated, “We don’t have room for a theater.”

This undertaking would be worthwhile, however. When asked what she would say to our administration, Hailey Emerson responded that schools have a duty. It is Quartz Hill’s responsibility to produce a new generation of Americans, “Doctors, lawyers, football players, yes; but what about actors? Directors? Artists? We shouldn’t be discouraged from keeping the arts alive.” The arts have been relegated to the sidelines as too much attention has been focused on our sports department. Both pursuits are equally vital to our student body and should finally be treated as such.