Time to end HST’s Show Program?

Dear Understanding HST Families,
I have been praying all year for God to show me *how to make HST’s production schedule less stressful, and how to get things done with less volunteer hours. * I’ve learned that when you ask God for guidance, you don’t always get the answer you expect.
I believe it is *possible that one solution God is suggesting is to drop HST’s program.* Our program takes an enormous amount of volunteer time (to sell the ads that cover the cost) and it is quite stressful to put together. In the past I felt this effort was worthwhile because a professional program indicates the quality of our program. I also felt it was a valuable resource for sharing information about our program, as well as enhancing the enjoyment of our shows for our patrons and our families.
*There are several factors that are combining to make me think that the program may not be accomplishing what I thought it was. * Comments that parents have made indicate that they have *not *read the program because they were unaware of information that was included in my Executive Director note, or a Troupe Director’s Note, or in one of HST’s information pages. Additionally, the raffle contest that we advertised on the index page of the program had 2 students (out of 180) email an answer. Considering that the prize is $50 in Starbucks gift cards, that is a surprisingly low number.
Now, to be fair, our students are busy. However, I announced the contest to the 140 students in Showcase and there appeared to be great interest. *The goal of the contest was to get families to look at all the advertisements. * This is important to the businesses that advertise with us and it should also be fun because of the many creative congratulatory ads.
SO – in case the contest was too complicated – I’m going to simplify it. Count the # of congratulatory ads and the # of business ads and send the two totals to me in an email. If you are correct – I’ll put your name in twice to the raffle box, if in-correct I’ll put it in once. The two students who sent in responses already will be entered 3 times (and treated to a candy bar). We’ll pick the winner at HST’s Pool Party. Note: Parents can enter as well as students.
*When you go through the program, *be thinking about whether you feel the level of professionalism is important or whether a xeroxed paper with cast list and Order of Show would be adequate. Please include your comments when you send in your entry. Comments without an entry will not be considered because I can’t know if you really looked through the program. *I am seeking an honest review of the program we produced – not just generic opinions. *
*Ultimately, the decision to continue a professionally printed program will be made with prayerful discernment.* It is never easy to let go of something that has been enjoyed by some (if not all). However,* HST has survived for 24 years by constantly reviewing what works and what doesn’t so we can proactively change. * In the past we’ve let go of an HST yearbook, Shoutouts, class pictures (in the program) and Peer Reviews….all because we could no longer justify the volunteer time these projects took. *HST’s mission is to “provide training in the cultural arts to home school students and to make wholesome family entertainment accessible and affordable to the community. “* *The program, as is, is not essential to accomplish our mission. *Therefore, we need to take a look at it’s time/cost/value ratio.
Thank you, in advance, for your entry/feedback. Blessings, Marilyn