When the Gym Has It All: Art, Music and Athletics

In the early 1970s and beyond, gyms were built to include a stage at one end so that concerts and musicals could be presented in the building as well. In those days, the gym was a multi-purpose room. The acoustics were not great for music or theatre, and the stage usually made the end line tight for basketball or volleyball; however, everything occurred in one place. People who visited the school knew it offered sports, music and theatre.

Fast forward to 2025 and each of these entities has lobbied to have its own space to practice and perform. Schools have built state-of-the-art auditoriums, high-end gymnasiums and have galleries to display art. All of this is great and impressive; however, it encourages everyone to stay in their own lane. Truth be told, students who are in music and athletics and theatre are very well-rounded citizens.

There is value in creating spaces that are used for one purpose. This allows for unlimited access to what you want to do. Practices can be fluent because of desire and not because of scheduling. Items can be stationed and stay there for more than the initial practice. Each entity feels important and gives the vibe of being worthy. However, not all schools can afford to do this. Not all schools have enough students to keep the individual venues busy.

When the structure of the building makes you share or not share, it is important to represent other options in high school. As always, thinking outside the box can be the most effective way to let your community know what you offer.

The school entrance. Walking into the school should transform you. You should know where you are and what it offers. Student art should be on the walls, not taped, but framed and labeled to give it honor and protect it. Transform a glass case on wheels to display pottery or 3D printing. Allow this to be placed in areas that are seen and can be moved if needed at other times. Also create an area within the hallway for the theatre productions. This could be a trophy case, framed playbill or pictures. Make the entrance of the school a gallery, and add lighting to highlight art on the walls. Whatever event is next should be displayed on an easel. Have a poster displayed on the easel for the upcoming band concert, theater event or sporting event. Display the QR code to purchase tickets or to get more information.

Gym impression. When you are in the gym, designate a place for the band. Have it labeled, even for the nights the band does not play. If you have a mural in the gym, have the instruments on the mural located where they sit. If you have a sporting event, while the play members are preparing for their own opening night, have members of the cast sell sporting tickets in their costume. Another idea is to sell theater tickets at the sporting event. Allow small ensembles to play the National Anthem and promote the next concert.

Theater impression. On opening night of the play, use the easel for a poster of the next sporting event or concert. Point out the dual activities students do on the wall in poster format. For example, “Another chance to see “Charlie Brown” is on the basketball court or playing violin in the orchestra.” Display pictures of the cast in costume, and then pictures of the cast in a different “costume” - aka uniform.

The reality for coaches and directors is that dual activity kids are hard to work around. It is not easy to work with students and all of the activity expectations. It is important for adults to work together. When it gets to tech week, the play has priority of time. When it comes to playoffs, the sport has priority of time. Work it out with adults and help relieve pressure on the student. Sometimes it is a hard conversation with the adult and with the student. Remember, students are developing minds and need guidance on what decisions need to be made. It is essential for the adults to work out schedules and support each other.

Creating an environment of fluidity for the activities and athletics will build community. Whether you have three separate venues or all activities in one venue, celebrate the other. Encourage students to join both. Support other activities when planning practices. Let the community know you did this and that they should attend all events. Promote each other and support students.

Lisa Myran-Schutte, CMAA, has been an athletic/activities director at several schools in Minnesota, including Houston High School and Pine Island High School. She is a member of the High School Today Publications Committee.