I just received an email “confirming” a rumor that Georgia State will be cutting its theatre program. This rumor has apparently been floating around among the theatre majors for a while.

As much as I can understand why the program probably should be cut (lack of theatre majors, not enough money, etc.), there is probably a good case to be made as to why it should not be cut. Unfortunately, I don’t know enough about the theatre school scene in Metro Atlanta to be able to make that case. As far as I’m aware, I don’t know of another theatre school at a public university accessible by public transit in the area.

Perhaps this sounds like a really specific set of criteria, but if Richard Florida is correct, a really good case can be made as to why there should be more widespread support for this program. If the arts is that important to the economic development of a region, then it is also important to ensure the existence of an affordable and accessible theatre program within the region. (Bill Nigut, are you listening?)

According to the email I received, there’s a town hall meeting today at 3:00 p.m. at the Rialto Center to discuss the budget priorities at Georgia State’s College of Arts and Sciences. If you have an interest in this issue, make sure you are there!