When we started the Center Stage program in the fall of 2003, it became an immediate hit with the Red Apple TV community. We've showcased the fine musicians and actors from across the Des Moines Schools. Students have enjoyed performing for our cameras, and it's fun for them to see "behind the scenes" of a professional television production.

It takes a lot of equipment to put on this show. Around 90% of the equipment used in a Center Stage production has never been owned by Red Apple TV. It has been the personal property of a gracious Central Campus teacher, Glen McLean, who retired in June 2008. For Red Apple TV, this means we no longer have the equipment needed to put on a Center Stage production.

As Glen's retirement has been on the horizon for the past few years, we've tried to slowly purchase equipment that could be used to continue Center Stage once he left the district. We made great strides in purchasing the needed equipment over the last couple years, but we are still a few pieces short. We've been applying for grants from various organizations, however so far they've all turned up dry.

Another issue facing the continuation of Center Stage has been the lack of involvement from many schools across the district. We offer Center Stage time slots to all vocal, instrumental and drama teachers, yet each year we only get about 30-35% of those teachers to sign up for a time slot, and many of those teachers are repeats from previous years. We're not seeing teachers taking advantage of this wonderful musical opportunity. If we don't have the support from more teachers, it's hard to make a case for spending money on something that few teachers are taking advantage of for their students.

As it stands today, new Center Stage episodes will no longer be a part of the Red Apple TV lineup. We're continuing to investigate funding opportunities to hopefully allow us to bring back this once highly demanded show. In addition to funding, the second issue is getting more teachers excited about showing off their student's fantastic talents to the Des Moines community. With more teacher support, we'd have even more reason to push for a budget increase, grant money or donations.

Center Stage is a wonderful opportunity for Des Moines students, and we've done everything we can to make it convenient for students, teachers and parents to take part. But what do you think? Do you think Center Stage is a worthy program to continue to offer? Do you enjoy watching and/or participating in Center Stage? Does your student enjoy seeing him or herself on TV? Is it a valuable experience for students? Email us at redappletv@dmps.k12.ia.us and let us know.

- Chad Aubrey and Carl Sundermann, Operators of DMPS Red Apple TV