School is OUT!!!!

I probably know the answer and should shut up, but I question what I am about, there seems to be a big void that is not being filled or we do not put our shingles out.Recently I did the lights for a an Entertainment School" , where my grand daughter goes, this is the 2nd year I have volunteered. (I know I am bit slow to wake up at times).The first year I didnt mind, going to Bunbury picking up the light and sound gear - which I was loaned, called in a few favours - driving to Perth, setting up, working the show and taking it back. It was their 1st show in this school - so why not help them out!This year, I said I would only do it and work with what the venue had in the way of lights and they would have to organise their own audio equipment - which they did along with an operator.My expectations of the shows presentation was it had to be better than last years?Unfortunately, after 1 hour 43 minutes of an improvisational game "Space Jump" being the 1st act, I started to wonder why my daughter pays out $240 + a year - for this?The 2nd Act had possibilities, it had 14 skits (their word for it) which lasted a further 1 hour 27 minutes, It did improve and the only thing I liked was adaptation of the Riverdance (by one young lass - would did a heart and soul attempt - Really, it was the only thing I could get my teeth into with lighting). Then their was an award ceremony - enough enough, I was into my eight hour straight with only 2 cups of coffee. The kids love it - the parents looked haggard and I was stuffed - At least they gave me a bottle of whiskey, although they know I dont drink, but it was a nice gesture and will be appreciated by others!The point I am trying to get too, is besides the fact these school's hang out their shingle - In the belief they know what they are doing, which amazes the hell out of me - I doubt if I would have the guts to set up a business like this, without worry someone would have a go at me and place my professionalism in question.So what is community theatre doing for these forgotten souls, who are learning theatre in this manner, not a lot - sure it is child minding service, where a fee should be applied, it is the what they are teaching the unknowing that gets up my nose - when they put on a show and charge for it!. To a certain extent if other theatre groups did the same, they would and should be slammed/critiqued. But these schools go on taking money - so what the hell are we doing, most theatres could use $240+/head with an average of 30 students per group for 40 hours tuition per year - ($7200 for 120 hours - not bad at all)Yes, it is the fault of the parents for paying it, and yes there are very good schools who work their guts out to turn out a good product. At the same time there are more who dont! My heart goes out to these students!Is all too hard for us? - we have the where with all, surely? - so why is are we not filling this void?Thats now off my chest I will go back to more important things - the video awaits!Joe McCabe