The Arts vs. Sports, SMACKDOWN 2011!

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In this corner, SPORTS!!!
Usually well-funded.
Beginners welcome, but to actually play you must make the team.

Teaches teamwork,  discipline, commitment. problem solving and precision body work

Student athletes are expected to attend classes regularly. . .

. . . except when they have a game,
or are travelling for a game,
or have to meet with a scout,
or receive a text from the coach in the middle of class
or they are sick.

Student athletes are supposed to maintain a C average . . .
except when they are star athletes
in this instance teachers must bend over backwards to ensure passing grades.

In this corner Arts Programming!!!!
Generally underfunded.

Beginners welcome, and we usually will find something for you to do.

Teaches teamwork,  discipline, commitment, problem solving, creative thinking, communication skills, presentational skills, fundraising, time management, business skills, management skills, and often includes elements of physical/body training

Students of the arts are expected to attend classes regularly including classes in other disciplines. The rare exception is when there is a showing or conference that benefits their education
or they are sick.
(Sick students are still expected to perform in live performances unless they are in the hospital.)

Student artists are expected to maintain a C average
while attending rehearsals every evening
and memorizing lines or rehearsing music during their free time (which is often consumed by work to help support them through their arts programming)

ATHLETES ON SCHOLARSHIP MUST PLAY IN ALL GAMES!

ARTISTS ON SCHOLARSHIP CAN PICK AND CHOOSE PARTICIPATION
(however once they commit, they should stay committed and not quit for random reasons)

ATHLETES ON SCHOLARSHIP MUST ATTEND ALL PRACTICES!

PERFORMERS MUST ATTEND ALL SCHEDULED REHEARSALS
(however we will make every effort to adjust the schedule around your athletic practices, games, and work needs.)

ATHLETES MUST PLAY IN ALL GAMES, EVEN THOSE ADDED MIDWAY THROUGH!

PERFORMERS MUST ATTEND ALL TECHNICAL/DRESS REHEARSALS AND EVERY SCHEDULED PERFORMANCE!
(Flexibility in scheduling ends for one week only, when the show must take priority. Show dates are dictated by the agreement made when paying royalties, therefore we cannot change the dates of performance to accommodate your game schedule)

SMACKDOWN!!!!

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And the WINNER is . . .

10 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. nathan010
    Jan 28, 2011 @ 08:06:18

    For performers attendance use the Spider-Man turn off the Dark as a reference. Performing also teaches oratory and public speaking, communication skills.
    The sports side also creates cliches, and a following of religion.

    Reply

  2. Tori Nelson
    Jan 28, 2011 @ 09:20:11

    I love Nathan’s comment!
    I was always an Arts girl myself. Sadly, you are too right about the inequality of funding and academic expectations. A boy I went to school with failed all of his classes, skipped school regularly, and was given the opportunity to graduate on time if he wrote a one paragraph “paper” on why education is important. He was the star Quarterback.

    Reply

    • Lisa
      Jan 28, 2011 @ 09:25:47

      Grrrrr! That makes me mad. I remember one winter vacation when I was in Hawaii with Nathan’s family trying to deal long distance with the fact that the star basketball player failed my class (actually he had a D, but in this program he needed a C- to move forward) because he didn’t turn in all the major papers. (Not where I currently work). Phone calls and e-mails from the player and the coach! Ultimately, I felt pressured to give him an incomplete with a strict deadline to complete the work. If he did not meet the deadline, his grade would revert back to the D. It was SO aggravating.

      Reply

  3. Artswebshow
    Jan 28, 2011 @ 19:26:59

    Sadly everything you said here is true.
    Don’t get me wrong fair play to athletes who wish to be successful having their needs taken care of.
    But in my view artists have a much more demanding job that playing sport.
    If only education in the arts was fair in relation of support and funding.
    You’re probably not talking about the UK in this but even here it’s the same problem

    Reply

    • Lisa
      Jan 28, 2011 @ 20:23:46

      I think the problem is international. I believe that sports are important. But, I just see that people learn some truly valuable skills through the arts that can translate into so many other careers. Eventually people no longer can play sports, but what happens to those people if they haven’t figured out the skills that can carry beyond the field or the game? It is so frustrating and sad.

      Reply

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