Guest Column

Shelley A. Treacy
Shore Players simply pursuing excellence

I have never been compelled to write a letter to the editor until I read Ann Monaco’s guest column in the Nov. 8 Atlanticville criticizing the Shore Players program. As a Shore Players alumna, I am deeply saddened and outraged that, after 20 years, this program is still under attack and misunderstood.

First, to categorize Allen Shields as an outsider is not correct. He is not only a graduate of Shore Regional, but also an alumnus of Shore Players.

Shore Regional is fortunate that members of the business community care enough about the arts to contribute their time and skills which enable Shore Players to produce high-quality theater productions.

Yes, he and his colleagues are paid for their time, but I can assure you they are contributing more time than their stipend covers. They are not building sets and teaching students to sing and dance for the money — it is because they are passionate about their craft and they want to share it.

Students should feel honored and proud that professionals outside of Shore Regional want to contribute to their education.

This is their opportunity to gain some insight on what it is like to function in the real world and begin networking with adults who may have an impact on their future college plans and careers.

Why is there still such controversy about the Shore Players program striving to reach the level of professional excellence? The sports teams get new uniforms every year, have the fields prepared by professionals, and paid officials referee the games.

Why is it a problem that theater students have the opportunity to work with professional musicians, set designers and wear Broadway costumes?

The students of Shore Regional have more resources available to them than most community theaters or off-Broadway theater companies. I am outraged this is seen as a problem and not good fortune.

I do agree with Ms. Monaco that art education programs are sadly not given enough support from the community or the Board of Education, but attacking the professionals who keep this program running is not the answer.

Even if you do not pursue a career in the arts, there are so many other lessons to be learned from a program like Shore Players that will contribute greatly to a student’s future — teamwork, courage, trust, perseverance, patience, and self-respect are just a few.

Shore Players is an excellent program that has not only contributed to the development of successful artists, but lawyers, doctors, teachers and business professionals.

It is time the community stops attacking this program, fueling the politics, and support it.

Shelley A. Treacy is a 1986 Shore Regional graduate and resident of Sea Bright