CMS Parents Locked Out From Seeing High School Theater Performances

CHARLOTTE, NC – Theater students and parents within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools say the arts are being forgotten. There are capacity restrictions on upcoming performances and parents say they won’t be allowed to attend.

Providence High school is preparing for a show on May 21st.

“Lot of hours are put in,” said Daniel Binder.

He is the lead in Monty Python’s Spamalot.

“To play a character that’s not you, but insert yourself into that character and tell it’s story, it’s really beautiful,” said Binder.

He says they have been rehearsing for months. They’ve staggered rehearsal times and placement in order to conform with necessary Covid safety protocols.

“We’re just appreciative to be there at this point,” said RJ Binford.

Binford is the show’s stage manager. He says it’s been a difficult year. And they were hoping to put on a show for the parents who have supported them throughout.

“It just really felt like we’ve kind of been brushed aside and not really considered the work we’ve put in and how appreciative we’d be to have our families there,” said Binford.

CMS sent a statement saying:

“We are enabling students only to participate and attend in arts performances, club and class events and senior activities while in-person…”

The statement continued:

“Health and safety protocols are still important for the protection of our students.”

“It’s devastating,” said Mitzi Lynch.

Lynch is a parent and heads the providence high theater booster club. She says the request is simple.

“We’re just asking for them to allow parents come and watch their children perform,” said Lynch.

Other outdoor and indoor spring sports are able to have parents and hold 30% capacity.

CMS says:

“High School sports competitions are overseen by the NCHSAA and that organization offers clear guidance about spectator attendance.”

So for now, parents keep pushing in order to see the performance.

“We’re hoping for an equitable resolution for what’s going on,” said Lynch.