Avenue Q ok for H.S. Freshmen?- Page 2

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 6:00am

The point most of you are missing is: there is a difference to them being able to understand and handle something vs. THE SCHOOL promoting/endorsing the show. You wouldn't be able to show it IN school so you really shouldn't take them to see it either.

I am a drama teacher. I bring 100 kids to Manhattan every year (Fresh-Seniors). We brought them to Ave Q very early in its run, and did not realize the extent of the "naughty bits". While we had no problems with parent complaints, I would NOT bring them again. It is not appropriate for a SCHOOL FUNCTION. (IMHO)

I won't bring them to SA, either. I tell them (and their parents) they should go and SEE it...but NOT from the school
They are great shows, but that is a family/personal decision.

[Weez]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 6:23am

I'm with dramamama and everyone else who has made the same point - it'd be a fantastic show for the kids to see, but NOT in conjunction with the school.

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 6:38am

Wasn't here an age restriction when the show first opened that was pretty obvious in its advertising but now seems to have disappeared these days. They didn't use it for the London production so strongly as in New York!
It was under 12s or something?

[winston89]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 12:48pm

MamasDoin'Fine, It wasn't really an age restriction. It was more of a guideline. They suggested that it wasn't for kids under 12 but they weren't going to stop someone who was 12 or under from going into the theatre.

[deadparrot]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 2:57pm

Get parental permission. My parents wouldn't have had a problem with it when I was that age, but others might.
Updated On: 10/21/08 at 02:57 PM

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 3:02pm

Parents at my school got pissed off about lots of ridiculous stuff. "Thoroughly Modern Millie" was shut down because it was thought to be racist. Needless to say, gauge the parental reaction beforehand and then make your decision.

[luvbrdway]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 3:06pm

So, if some of the parents sign the slip and some don't, what do you do with the ones whose parents didn't sign?

Would the school let you put on this show in your drama dept? I don't think so.

[george95]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 4:32pm

Ok here's the OP--I'll tell you all what happened in school today.
I met with the freshmen club and they talked me into SA. By lunchtime the juniors had heard about it, and they raised hell--because last year I told them that as sophomores they were too young to see it. One of the juniors had a freshmen brother and said "You told me all those reasons why freshmen aren't old enough to see it." And that right there pretty much convinced me. Tomorrow, I will switch the trip back to "Chicago." However, the juniors were so mad, they guilted me into planning a separate SA trip for them!

This thread has been crazy because I can say I pretty much agree with all the posters, which of course meant that I went back and forth on my decision.

But somebody just mentioned how SA or Ave Q shouldn't be connected with a school trip. I totally see where youre coming from, but there are some extenuating circumstances here.

First, my school: its a 120-year-old catholic high school in the inner city with 97% of our students receiving free or reduced-price lunches. The majority of our 230 students have the tuition paid (the lowest in the state of NJ) through the Inner-City scholarship fund. The average reading level of incoming freshmen is 3rd grade, and the average math level is 2nd grade. Only a handful of the kids come from 2parent households--many kids have siblings, uncles, cousins etc in gangs or in prison. The girls try to stay college bound but most of the boys can either be 1.rapper 2.NBA 3.drug dealer. I know it sounds like a bad Lifetime movie but that's how it is at my school.

Soooooooooooooooo

I started a Cultural Club where I could take 7 of the kids at a time (thats how many fit in the van) to NYC on Friday nights, and take them to B-way shows, museums, etc and to dinner and to fun things (espn zone, bowling ice skating etc) The trips arent so much about seeing art and all that as they are about teaching kids the basics (so many of their parents are so young themselves, they just dont always teach them the basics) So they learn stuff like not shouting at waiters, or to use garbage cans in public, or to not curse and take seats from old ladies on the subway, and of course, to not use their phones at a theater!

So, sometimes, with all that crap to deal with, I don't always think about if these parents will mind some tawdry stuff in shows like Ave Q or SA. On one hand the parents have enough to worry about, and will probably be thrilled that their kids get to do something so rare, but yeah there may be some who would be upset about the content. Its really crazy to see a 15-year-old who has grown up 20 minutes from Manhattan but he's never seen Times Square.

Bottom line is, I'm taking the frosh to Chicago, and I'm taking the juniors to SA. If SA or Ave Q announce a closing date before June, I'll reconsider taking the frosh to see them before they close.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 4:42pm

I'm so impressed that your freshman students with limited exposure to theater had the initiative to do enough background research to persuade you in the first place. Sounds like you've already done a good job getting started on "the basics". Good luck to you!

[george95]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 4:47pm

Yeah these kids have nowhere to go but up, that's why its so hard to turn them down---even if it means I gotta pay for half their tickets---and on my catholic school salary! grrrr : )

[EugLoven]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 5:00pm

EDIT: I wrote the entire message below WITHOUT having read the entire thread first. Seems you've made-up your mind on Chicago. Pulsing muscles, skimpy black lingerie, sensuality and cold-blood murder seems safe enough :)


***

If you're dealing with the top 7 freshman of your class, then is it also safe to presume their parents have an active say (or at least keep-tabs) on their child's education? If so, it wouldn't hurt to send a simple "letter of notification" prior to the trip.

I remember when I was in 3rd grade, before we went on a trip to an art museum, the teacher sent out a letter to all parents saying some of the paintings and statues would include "nude images". Most parents were okay with the warning.

Focus on the overall message: AVENUE Q tells an incredible story about growing-up, maturity, taking responsibility for actions, living in a big and fast world, friendship, love, and issues of modern society. It also includes a farcical look at racist, homosexuality, internet porn and intimate relations. There is some graphic language but none of it is overly gratuitous and does help with character development and plot. Include information on its awards, positive reviews, and puppets. (And it's nothing they haven't already heard or seen before)

It is a Broadway musical, afterall. This is a GIFT to anyone under 18. Real theatre, real New York, real culture, real acting. Something to expose them to a piece of American pastime that is not always readily-available to students.

Updated On: 10/21/08 at 05:00 PM

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 5:42pm

I have nothing to add to this topic, but I would just like to thank george95 on behalf of society for doing such a wonderful thing.

[oohshizz146]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 6:12pm

Its totally fine, I saw it when I was a sophomore. Given its very inappropriate but its no worse then what they hear in the halls every day. Dont underestimate what they've already been exposed to.
Just hafta get it past the parents!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 7:59pm

I am a high school teacher and last year I took my kids to see 5 shows in three days last year-all years of high school-ages 14 to 18. We saw A A Chorus Line, The Color Purple, Spring Awakening, Chicago and Hairspray. Without a doubt they all loved S.A. the best because it really spoke to them, and the music is totally of their time.

This year's trip we are seeing August: Osage County, Pal Joey, Gypsy, Billy Elliot and In The Heights.

Oh, and every single show is discounted. August is the most expensive at $85 a seat I think. Broadway.com has a really great group sales department.

Every kid is different so you can't really say a certain show is good for a certain age group. It depends on the kids and their level of maturity. My kids can handle anything like adults, so there is no question about seeing things-we see what is good.

Oh and I forgot to mention that I have parents of the kids on the trip as chaperons. No one bats and eyelash-not even the sex scene in S.A. You'd be surprised how open minded people are when it comes to theatre as opposed to movies and other entertainment outlets. Theatre is art.
Updated On: 10/21/08 at 07:59 PM

[xoangel2789xo]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 8:21pm

I'm pretty sure that most parents won't like it. Maybe if you had the freshman get a permission slip signed.
Updated On: 10/21/08 at 08:21 PM

[rentheadca]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 9:21pm

I think it's great that you started that group! SA and Avenue Q will unfortunately probably be closing before June though

[rentheadca]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 9:22pm

sorry double post :[ Updated On: 10/21/08 at 09:22 PM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 9:33pm

Have you even talked to your adminstation? I would.

A CATHOLIC SCHOOL going to see SA?

I know teachers that have gotten fired from a HELL OF A LOT LESS! Besides: who's running the asylum...you or the kids?

I'm hoping to bring my students to August but am sending a letter of notification home due to the mature themes and language, giving anyone the opportunity to drop out if they chose to. My admin has backed me on this. I have their blessing.

[george95]

Posted: 10/21/08 at 11:08pm

Ehhh yuck now I see this thread falling apart now. Thanks everybody for the helpful comments.

[gypsy4]

Posted: 10/22/08 at 12:57am

I'm an eighth grader and avenue q would be totaly be fine but make sure they have parental permission and explain to them what the show is about.