Student Theater Needs Alan Symonds

Thank you for drawing attention to the possible impending crisis in student theater ("Theater Advisor May Lose Position," December 5). The loss of Alan P. Symonds '69 would indeed do immeasurable damage to the theater community.

As the article stated, Alan has been the technical director for undergraduate theater for the past year. However, he has additionally been employed by Harvard and worked with the student theater community for the past seven years.

Student theater at Harvard is run almost exclusively by the students. Alan is one of our only, and by far our most crucial and valuable links to the administration. He is our constant ally and spokesperson. Alan is also a patient and understanding teacher, having instructed countless numbers of technicians, actors, and producers. He has solved innumerable crises, and, with his constant attention to safety, I don't doubt saved many lives. Student shows at Harvard, from the Leverett Old Library to the Loeb Mainstage, could not happen without Alan.

Alan is our backbone. He is our trusted friend and invaluable advisor. The fact that the Standing Committee for Dramatic Arts may compel Alan to leave shows a great lack of concern for the welfare of student theater at Harvard.

Dean Shinagel, Mr. Brustein, President Rudenstine, I implore you: We need Alan. Please don't force him out. Diana Graham '93   President, Harvard-Radcliffe   Gilbert and Sullivan Players   Co-producer, Into the Woods