Developing a Strategic Plan for Performing Arts at HHRS

HHRS Performing and Fine Arts Task Force FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS Presented June 12, 2019 Henry Hudson Regional School

Committee Members Teachers Board Members Atlantic Highlands Parents Highlands Administrators Henry Hudson Regional School 2

Committee Members David Dowds Mark Heter Melissa Mohr Dr. Susan Compton Lenore Kingsmore Jeffrey Starr Maureen Sweeney Suzanne Santry Cynthia Fair Gina Holland Jennifer Yannarelli Katherine Bertecap Chair HHRS PFA Task Force - BOE Co-Chair - BOE Co-Chair - BOE Tri-District Superintendent HHRS Principal HHRS Staff Member - Music HHRS Staff Member - Theater Parent Parent Parent Parent Parent Henry Hudson Regional School 3

Overview Mission To develop a new strategic vision and plan for the Performing and Fine Arts programs at HHRS Build upon the strengths of a Private School in a Public School Setting Time limited and goal-oriented Make recommendations to the Board Henry Hudson Regional School 4

The Reason STEAM The A is the Arts! A huge part of HHRS Our Small School is getting known for its Arts Programs 3 Nominations at Basie this year, several in the past few years This is our niche, need to focus where we excel We are Good but we could be Great! Henry Hudson Regional School 5

The Process Generate Discussions and Ideas Held 4 -1 hour meetings between December and March Reviewed existing offerings, identified critical improvements, and explored opportunities for the Henry Hudson Theater and Fine Arts Programs Brainstormed ways to enhance the Henry Hudson Theater and Fine Arts Programs Narrowed selections down to a subset of best ideas that are achievable and realistic (budget, scope, time) Recommend top ideas to the Board and incorporate vision into BOE 5 Year Strategic Plan End Result - An Implementation Plan for the Administration to Execute Henry Hudson Regional School 6

Phased Approach Thinking 1, 3, and 5 Year Goals Immediate Need (Now) 1 Year (Operational) Would Like to Have (Soon) 3 Year (Tactical) Big Picture (Wish List) 5 Year (Strategic) Henry Hudson Regional School 7

Things We Discussed What are our strengths? What areas would we like to expand on? What do we need today? What would we like to change? What are some out of the box ideas for the Arts? If money were no option what would we want? Henry Hudson Regional School 8

The Areas of Focus Theater Band Chorus Art Digital Video / TV Broadcasting Graphic Arts Photography Digital Animation / Game Design Henry Hudson Regional School 9

Already Underway Music Student Chairs (75) Music Student Stands (75) Storage Cart / Rack for Chairs Additional Walkies w/ Headsets (6) Sound Snake Updating of Theatre Audio Wiring and Connectors Henry Hudson Regional School 10

Recommendations The Committee came up with 10 recommendations to the Board. The Recommendations are in order of priority. Each Item has a need by time frame of 1/3/5 yrs. Where known, Estimated Cost is given, otherwise TBD is used and further research is needed. Henry Hudson Regional School 11

Recommendation #1 Upgrading the Stage Curtains Theatre Curtain, Scrim Curtain, and Drops (1yr) 25K Rigging for Stage Repair existing issues and add needed features. (1yr) TBD Lighting For use with the new light board. Purchase in phases over several years. (1-3yrs) Up to 60K Replace Stage Floor Perhaps w/ Marley or other giving material. Current stage floor is full of holes and divots. (1-3yrs) TBD Henry Hudson Regional School 12

Recommendation #2 Uniforms (1yr) 58K Marching Band Uniforms 115 total sets to replace the entire outdated and worn existing set. Mr. Starr has already received quotes from a number of vendors and has selected beautiful custom uniforms. Need to get ordered soon in order to have them designed and delivered in time for Disney 2021. Henry Hudson Regional School 13

Recommendation #3 Projector (1yr) 25K Rear Projector - Used to project digital back drops and other theatre effects. Allows for a wide range of creative and artistic applications. Can purchase entire show scenery in digital packages. Backdrop / Scrim for use w/ Projector Software for Projector Mounting and Setup of Projector Henry Hudson Regional School 14

Recommendation #4 Backstage (1yr) TBD Modular Walls / Separators Mirrors w/ Vanity Lighting Dressing Room Tables / Chairs Dressing Room Storage Costume Hanging Racks Monitors w/ Sound for Dressing Room Henry Hudson Regional School 15

Recommendation #5 Auditorium TBD Risers Around Pit Area (6 to 8 w/ Curtains). Same as what we have been renting. Also used to expand stage for theatre performances. (1yr) Elevated Booth Sound and lighting center raised above the crowd to control the shows. (1-3yrs) Raked Seating Removable auditorium chair system (1-3yrs) Henry Hudson Regional School 16

Recommendation #6 Future Redesign TBD Architect Analysis to redesign existing Theatre Space and Band Room (1yr) Possible Reconfigure / Modify (3yrs) Side Stage Rooms Ramps Stage Entry and Exit Ways Hallway Any Major Capital Improvement to Theatre (5yrs) Henry Hudson Regional School 17

Recommendation #7 Activity Room (1-3yrs) TBD Dance / Yoga / Pilates Mirrors Marley Floor Mats Ballet Barres Stretch Bands, Blocks, Balls, Turning Boards Speaker System Henry Hudson Regional School 18

Recommendation #8 Outside Opportunities (1yr) TBD Increase trips and opportunities in the arts Guest Lecturers / Master Classes Performing Arts Field Trips Enter more theatrical and musical competitions Henry Hudson Regional School 19

Recommendation #9 Instruction (1-3yrs) TBD Expand / Enhance Arts Instruction Dance Teacher / Choreographer Voice Instructor Assistant Band Director Contract Services for Performances Henry Hudson Regional School 20

Recommendation #10 Electives (3-5yrs) TBD Expand Offerings in Electives / Master Classes: Dance Musical Theatre Voice Advanced Acting Script Writing Orchestra Piano String Henry Hudson Regional School 21

Conclusion Arts are such a vital part of our school we need to dedicate the amount of resources and energy that it deserves. Our students are performing amazingly with little to work with. Imagine what they could do with the proper tools and direction. As we begin our next round of strategic planning lets make sure the Arts are part of the HHRS Vision. Henry Hudson Regional School 22

HHRS Performing and Fine Arts Task Force Questions / Comments My Contact Info: David Dowds ddowds@hhrs.us Henry Hudson Regional School 23