To the editor:

The upcoming school bond issue includes money to remodel the high school theater (LGI as it’s known). I’m speaking for my late husband, Bob McAllister, and support his views. He taught theater classes for 35 years and directed hundreds of plays there. Thousands of students had life changing experiences in his program. All the while, they dealt with facilities that were mediocre at best.

The last time a “remodel” was done, in the 1990s, Bob was deeply disappointed when the board at the time opted to spend money on comfy seats for patrons instead of improvements which would have enhanced students’ experience in the area of theater.

Patrons are not always aware of what goes on backstage, but situations were primitive, and even unsafe. Dressing rooms were “borrowed” from other programs, actors had to wait in restroom lines (in costume) during intermission with patrons. Costume storage was horrific and it was difficult to keep track of props. Set construction and tech plans were mostly done outside.

Bob was adamant that crew and actors behave as professionals, and the facility stressed the image.

Crowds often went to overflow, and the fire code was probably nudged more than once. The “light booth” cut off the view for many in the audience, and probably is a fire code violation in itself. Competition for good seats was always a challenge for house crew and patrons.

So, I’m advocating a remodel of the theater to benefit student programs. Sure, community groups will benefit, but the basic tenet of public school is to provide the best training experience for students. This wouldn’t be a dream come true for Bob. It would be an absolute necessity if our community wants to continue to inspire actors, tech geniuses, responsible team members and happy kids with a place to feel belonging.

MERRY MCALLISTER

Bainbridge Island