By Sonia Gonzales
I am a graduate of PPCC, now attending school in California, and I was
disappointed by the talk surrounding the Theater Department. I tried to be
very active on campus while I attended. However, nothing could ever compete
with the excitement surrounding Mr. Stansbery, The Masquers, and the
department.
I know cuts must be made. I know classes must be sacrificed. I am aware
things need to transfer. However, I am a transfer student who made my move
just fine (theater courses included).
Furthermore, the new campus I attend heavily supports its theater classes as
a way of supplying diversity to all students.
One might argue this is a four-year university versus two-year college, but
I would remind them certain classes are universal. No matter where you are,
what your degree, theater is an area that every student needs.
I made many friends in the theater department who never would have
considered attending PPCC without the department and Mr. Stansbery
reputation.
As a Journalism student, I received priceless information through my
studies. But the information I received in my theater courses is
immeasurable.
I can honestly say I never learned more about writing than I did from
Michael Stansbery. I learned the mechanics and the forms of writing all
over, but Mr. Stansbery truly made me appreciate the art of writing.
If you want to see the Theater Department flourish, you support them. You do
not cut them down. If I had missed out on a single play, a single theater
class, I would have felt cheated. I would also feel unprepared for my new
endeavor as a transfer student, and isn't the purpose of PPCC to help its
students prepare?
The reality is that theater is as important as English or Math. Theater
teaches students discipline and gives a heart to the whole college
experience. The more theater suffers, the more PPCC will suffer as a whole.
I am so thankful I got the experience, and I can only hope future students
will not miss out. The Masquers and Mr. Stansbery add an incredible spirit
to a dying campus.
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