Sven Alskog
News Editor
During the Jan. 27 meeting of the Associated Students of Idaho State University (ASISU) Senate, Resolution 536, which aims to show student support for an activity fee for the department of theatre and dance, was brought forth and passed by a unanimous vote from the senate.
While it may be the first step in what could be an extended process, College of Arts and Letters Senator Daniel Shelden hopes that the action will lead to an eventual change.
“It is meant to show support for the resolution which was not signed [by the Provost],” stated Shelden. “We are trying to create a stepping stone.”
While it is unlikely that the proposed fee will be added on for next year according to Shelden, the hope is that in the near future that will change as a result of the show of support for Resolution 536 from students.
The proposal calls for a $5.22 dedicated student activity fee which would go toward the department of theatre and dance.
“The first thing is that it would be a $5.22 fee but only a $2.34 increase from what [students] currently pay,” stated Shelden. “Currently a show costs $7 so you are essentially paying $2 for an entire season of 4-5 shows a year. It helps with night life, recruitment and prestige.”
ISU has the only school of performing arts in the state of Idaho, however the university is also the only one to not have an activity fee dedicated towards that area.
Shelden, the senator who brought forward the resolution, also made it a point that the fee simply reallocates where existing fees will go.
“If we don’t show [the administration] that students want their money to go to students then they will ignore it,” he stated. “Adding the fee doesn’t add to the amount students have to pay. It takes money out of the tuition raise and makes it more specific.”
At the ASISU meeting, Resolution 536 received heavy support not only from the senate, but also from a much larger contingent of student-attendees than average. In total, 13 individuals spoke on behalf of the proposed theatre fee.
“It is good for students to step up and say they want to know where their money is going,” said Shelden. “I want to give a huge thank you to the senators for the support and kind words.”
One of the senators who voiced support for the resolution was Morgan Pitcock of the College of Arts and Letters. He mentioned that he didn’t think students should have to pay for these shows when they do not have to pay for concerts or sporting events.
Fellow College of Arts and Letters Senator Mackenzie Smith also spoke out saying that the current fee allocation puts a lot of money towards other type of performances and she thinks it is unfair to support some groups and not others.
“For theatre [the proposed fee] changes everything. We have seen our funding cut 50 percent since 1999 when you factor in inflation,” said Shelden. “We have an incredible new professor in Vanessa Ballam who has helped transform the mindset of the entire department. With consistent funding this is what we are going to get: costumes, props, stage decorations, [and etcetera.] It would wholly and entirely be for performances.”
The added funding is meant to help continue to prepare the students in the theatre and dance program for their future careers.
“We put 100 percent directly back into the program so that the students are getting real world experience,” added Shelden.
While the benefits are obvious for students inside the program, Shelden wanted to emphasize the value of supporting theatre and dance for students and other members of the community.
“So many reasons [to attend theatre.] An important reason is it adds such an incredible perspective. When you watch live theatre it is so much more valuable,” said Shelden. “It can help to address critical issues in society and there is always that character that you can relate to.”
He added, “If you have never been, try it. I’ve never heard anyone say they would have rather went to a movie.”
