<p>I have known several high schools who have spent fortunes on their productions. And though I do not begrudge the use of the budget on performing arts, I do find it sad, when the money is used for the glitz, the polish, and other things than getting the kids prepared and interested in theatre. I know of a school that has the best musicals in their area, but they have an abysmal record in turning out anyone in the performing arts. All of their budget is spent on the flash. I believe one year they hired professional actors to fill in for difficult parts to get over the casting hump. All well and good if they were also training the kids. Sometimes the simplest productions yield alot of very good actors, and in my book that is what is important in these programs, not the flash and glitz.</p>