2008 Woodie Awards
Metcalf rules a hassle for students
Guest column
David Whitacre, guest columnist
Issue date: 9/11/07 Section: Opinion
When I say Metcalf, what's the first thing that pops into your mind? I bet it's not the SET (Student Experimental Theater) located by the Vadalabene Center. Now that, to me, is quite the tragedy.
So… to help alleviate my current frustration with the apathy on this campus - related to the theater department and their current issues - I have decided to do something about it. I've decided to educate and (hopefully) get the students on campus to understand what was put here for them.
In the '70s, the Department of Theater and Dance realized that the Quonset Hut (a small metal building, recently demolished) was not enough for the students to fully develop their talent. In response to this, a budget was created from student funds to help create a space for student rehearsals, productions, etc. Thus, the Metcalf Theater came into existence. Named after James F. Metcalf, the primary component in the budgeting for the building who died shortly before the theater's opening, it was officially opened in the spring of 1984. Libby Metcalf, the wife of James, and Laurie Metcalf, his daughter (who plays Jackie on "Roseanne"), were at the dedication ceremony. It was a big deal.
I could give you a history lesson, but that is not necessarily the point of this information.
Currently some of the students in the theater department have displayed a certain frustration. You see, the current policy for this space is that it is available for classes during the day, and - under adult supervision - available for student use at night. Now, this seems like a serious contradiction of terms.
Let's look at some facts:
- The SIUE Student Welfare and Recreation Fund funded it.
- It is known as the Student Experimental Theater.
- The Student Experimental Theater Organization (aptly nicknamed SETO), uses the space for student-directed shows and meetings.
- The Student Government (at the time) would not dish out a monthly stipend for the utilities, so the department stepped in and created the daytime/nighttime policy.
Now, here's where the stink is being raised: Why is that the students, for whom the building was created, are not able to use the building without "adult" supervision? Why is it that the space is being rented out by the department, unbeknownst to the students?
Yes, there is a "history" that precedes the current student body that prevents the department from trusting them. Yes, there might have been damages done to the theater. Yes, the department is acting out of, what they feel, is the best interest of the students.
But is it really?
Is it better for the students to be punished for the sins of their predecessors, or should they be able to deem themselves responsible for their own actions?
David Whitacre
Sophomore
So… to help alleviate my current frustration with the apathy on this campus - related to the theater department and their current issues - I have decided to do something about it. I've decided to educate and (hopefully) get the students on campus to understand what was put here for them.
In the '70s, the Department of Theater and Dance realized that the Quonset Hut (a small metal building, recently demolished) was not enough for the students to fully develop their talent. In response to this, a budget was created from student funds to help create a space for student rehearsals, productions, etc. Thus, the Metcalf Theater came into existence. Named after James F. Metcalf, the primary component in the budgeting for the building who died shortly before the theater's opening, it was officially opened in the spring of 1984. Libby Metcalf, the wife of James, and Laurie Metcalf, his daughter (who plays Jackie on "Roseanne"), were at the dedication ceremony. It was a big deal.
I could give you a history lesson, but that is not necessarily the point of this information.
Currently some of the students in the theater department have displayed a certain frustration. You see, the current policy for this space is that it is available for classes during the day, and - under adult supervision - available for student use at night. Now, this seems like a serious contradiction of terms.
Let's look at some facts:
- The SIUE Student Welfare and Recreation Fund funded it.
- It is known as the Student Experimental Theater.
- The Student Experimental Theater Organization (aptly nicknamed SETO), uses the space for student-directed shows and meetings.
- The Student Government (at the time) would not dish out a monthly stipend for the utilities, so the department stepped in and created the daytime/nighttime policy.
Now, here's where the stink is being raised: Why is that the students, for whom the building was created, are not able to use the building without "adult" supervision? Why is it that the space is being rented out by the department, unbeknownst to the students?
Yes, there is a "history" that precedes the current student body that prevents the department from trusting them. Yes, there might have been damages done to the theater. Yes, the department is acting out of, what they feel, is the best interest of the students.
But is it really?
Is it better for the students to be punished for the sins of their predecessors, or should they be able to deem themselves responsible for their own actions?
David Whitacre
Sophomore
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