Community Theatre Vs High School Theatre

In almost every community there is an outlet for theatrical expression, whether it is community theatre, high school theatre, or children’s theatre. Performance art encourages people to express the feelings and thoughts of characters, even if those thoughts and feelings are in poor taste. In a modern era of technology, kids are exposed to many forms of media: videos, TV, social media, movies, and occasionally theatre. Parents are often restrictive of what their children watch, but some like to defy the rules of society and show them what the world has to offer. Throughout history, society has determined what is appropriate for children and teenagers to see and hear. Though theatre is considered a lesser form of entertainment in terms of popularity,

A lot of students in high school get into trouble and act like children because they are given many rules that treat them like children, including times they are allowed to use the restroom. This also includes restrictions on what they are allowed to perform on stage. Some of the most performed shows in high schools are musicals like The Wizard of Oz and Seussical – safe, typical, family friendly shows. While there’s nothing wrong with performing these plays, many students seek depth and emotion to explore their acting abilities. Rent, a musical teens and adults know and love, is one of the most banned high school shows in history. The show features sex, drug addicts, AIDS, homosexuality, and a drag queen -- subjects all high school students are familiar with and are even taught in health classes. A school in California banned the show “because of the musical’s treatment of ‘prostitution and homosexuality,’” (“Banned and Challenged Plays”). Not only is that statement untrue since the show does not involve prostitution, is it also ignorant because schools should be accepting to students of all sexualities. Another show high schools often reject involves teen characters that students can relate to in ways that are a little more shocking. Spring Awakening is one of the many popular shows among teenagers and was revived on Broadway in 2015 with the addition of American Sign Language (ASL) and deaf actors. “They are simulating masturbation, unprotected sex, abortion, teenage homosexuality, teenage lesbianism, group masturbation, masochism, child abuse, insubordination, and out-and-out total adolescent rebellion,” (Kamer). The very first uncensored high school production of Spring Awakening took place in New York City, not far from where the