Washington State Thespians

WA Thespians response to DOH's Guidance

Dear Theatre Teachers/Directors:

On Wednesday, August 10, the State Department of Health released the K-12 guidance for Sports and Extracurricular Activities. WA Thespians was shocked to note the disparity between the Sports guidance and the Extracurricular Performing Arts guidance. A document was drafted and sent to DOH, WIAA and OSPI the same day outlining the inequitable discrepancies between what athletes could do versus what performing artists could do. By the evening of August 10th, a meeting was scheduled to discuss the issues and explore possible resolutions. Suzanne Maguire, WA State Thespians Board secretary, attended a meeting with representatives from DOH, WMEA (Music Educators), Seattle Public Schools arts administrators and James Weaver from NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations).

HIGHLIGHTS:
Committee members recognize the disparity between Sports and Extracurricular Performing Arts and are willing to consider changes.
Suzanne emphasized that Theatre is the only extracurricular performing art. (Music classes are co-curricular so any activities outside the school day are tied to a class. Theatre productions can exist outside a classroom context.)
If screening and testing is available for unvaccinated cheerleaders who are allowed to "practice, perform and compete" without masks, theatre performers should be given the same opportunities.
The governor's new mandate as of 8.18.21 may mean some changes to current sports guidance.
The DOH has the documents and reasoning for why/how theatre extracurricular activities can follow the same guidelines as sports and will look to making changes to the current guidance.

We continue to advocate for all extracurricular theatre programs and will update you as we become aware of any changes. If you need any assistance with advocacy in your district or building or have any questions about the document, feel free to reach out.

Wishing you all the best in the coming year!

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