Even set design needs some math. As part of a semester-long apprenticeship, I chose to draw upon an old hobby of mine and teach set design to a group of 12 middle-schoolers. After reading through the beginning parts of the play with them, I could tell the students were eager to start drawing the set pieces we would build. However, peering at a few of their initial sketches revealed some odd proportions: trees were sometimes shorter than people, and doorways were often too narrow for a person to fit through. I realized a lesson was needed in how to draw to scale.

Tape measures were broken out, and each student measured their own height. Graph paper was then distributed, and I asked each student to draw themselves appropriately to scale. Slowly the apprentices understood how to translate the 1/4" grid squares to 12" squares in the real world. By the end of the lesson, we were churning out usable drawings for set pieces!

Our continued work resulted in a great set and ultimately a great theatrical performance, but that lesson on drawing to scale was the moment I remember most. The Citizen Schools program benefits were clear: connect classroom skills to the real world in tangible and interactive ways that reinforce learning.

It turns out it's all about scale. Our program operates in seven different states, working with over 4,000 students in 44 different schools. With recent studies showing that roughly half of all students in America's largest public school systems don't graduate, this critical bridge between classroom and hands-on learning is needed more than ever. Please help us reach out to even more youth as we work to expand educational opportunity.

I personally believe in the great and continued success Citizen Schools has on today's young students, and hope you are equally inspired. My goal is to raise $2,500 by March 15, as part of a nationwide campaign to ride out the recession. I ask you to give at a level that is comfortable for you, be it $25, $50, $100 or more. Citizen Schools continues to gain momentum because of individuals such as yourselves!

Thank you for reading my story, and thank you for supporting the work of Citizen Schools.

- Eric Whitney 

 

P.S. Be sure to check out the video to the left, edited by my friend Kat Baker at Finish. Thanks, Kat!

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!