Support Needed For Student Technical Theater

Your recent article on the newly appointed student technical director ("U-MD Prof. Named to Drama Position," May 12, 1993) unfortunately only told half the story. While J. Michael Griggs will most likely prove to be a highly qualified lecturer and technician, the loss of Alan P. Symonds '69 will leave a dangerous gap in theater support on this campus. Griggs will be available on a "consultation basis" to shows outside the Loeb, but this arrangement will leave no staff member actually to assist and support non-Loeb productions. Without someone to advise the thirty to forty theatrical productions that go up at Harvard each year outside of the Loeb, the quality, safety, and perhaps even the existence of those non-Loeb productions will be seriously jeopardized.

Fortunately, the Harvard administration can prevent this crisis. The establishment of a full-time advisory position for student technical theatre would fill the void created next year by the loss of the tremendously dedicated and perambulatory Symonds. Such an advisor would be responsible for advising, overseeing and assisting in the technical aspects of Agassiz productions, house shows, CityStep and other non-Loeb events. Without such an advisor, student theater and students' lives will be at risk. The Harvard administration has a responsibility to protect the lives of its students, and to provide students with meaningful drama education. I urge Dean Knowles and Dean Jewett to begin the process necessary to establish this position. Diana R. Graham '93   Immediate Past President,   Harvard-Radcliffe Gilbert & Sullivan Players