Discusses the quality and value to students of recent Broadway plays. Noting that dramatic output is limited in size and content, recommends the use of an international English-language repertory for the education of young students. Cites British, Australian, Canadian, Caribbean, African and South African authors. (JG)

Reviews the problems and challenges created by the demise of the American Theatre Association (ATA). Emphasizes that theater education is not adequately represented in the nation's schools. Defines theater education issues as theater education curriculum, assessment instruments, theater teacher training, and subject matter endorsement. (GG)

Just as all perceptions are of figures differentiated from a larger background, a play takes place against the background of the audience's knowledge and feelings. While audience members generally bring to a performance a large body of background information--they evaluate the storyline, for example, using a lifetime of personal experience--at…

Discusses the value of teaching and producing contemporary plays as well as classics in high school. Argues for the superior interest level of challenging, low-budget, relevant dramas recently appearing on the young adult scene, such as those by Jerome McDonough and Hindi Brooks. Includes an annotated bibliography of young adult drama. (JG)

Reviews eight documents from the ERIC system that deal with teaching and learning: styles, processes, classroom interaction, innovative techniques (particularly in theatre classes), and obtaining grants to finance innovative ideas. (PD)

Provides an overview and several examples of the "reader's theatre" approach to teaching literature, which dramatizes literature to provide both a visual and an oral stimulus for those unaccustomed to using imagination to experience literary works. (FL)

The use of creative drama in a multicultural classroom can allow a teacher to establish a student-focused base for experiential learning and can allow students from various cultures to use drama as a way of expressing their individual cultural differences. Using literature about various ethnic groups in creative drama can contribute to the…

Intended for teachers of theatrical design who need to describe a design process for their students, this paper begins by giving a brief overview of recent research that has described the different functions of the right and left cerebral hemispheres. It then notes that although the left hemisphere tends to dominate the right hemisphere, it is the…

Closure is that element of the learning experience wherein the important points of the class period are reviewed and short-term goals are evaluated and related to long-term goals. The need for closure in musical rehearsals is discussed, and examples of closure are provided. (RM)

Ten recommendations are discussed for implementing comprehensive arts education and integrated arts-in-education programs in Connecticut's public schools. The recommendations are as follows: (1) Connecticut students should receive arts instruction that ensures an understanding in all of the arts; (2) Connecticut school districts should provide…

Argues that theater students must be encouraged to keep competition in perspective. Points out that too often program growth and support are dependent upon the number of honors that participants receive. Emphasizes that competition should be engaged in for its positive learning potential or should be abandoned as a student activity. (KO)

In this anthology the issues related to the fine arts (music, theater, visual arts) in the elementary secondary curriculum are examined. The fifteen articles, ranging in length from one to seven pages, are followed by a biographical page briefly identifying the contributors. The articles are: "What's It All About?" (Frederick B. Tuttle, Jr.);…

Reader's Theatre can be used to combine basic literature and writing instruction with creative arts. Improvisational playmaking by students, using literature in the form of plays, prose, and poetry, forms the basis of Reader's Theatre. Use of Reader's Theatre in the classroom can: (1) foster deeper understanding of character, setting, and plot…

The California Art Education Association (CAEA) has outlined guidelines to help administrators, teachers, and others responsible for determining the acceptable content of visual arts courses offered to meet California's state graduation requirements or entry requirements into a state university. Emphasis for visual arts courses should be on the…

Describes a teacher's experience teaching sixth grade drama in Britain, where drama is viewed as distinct from literature and stresses role playing. Outlines particular improvisation activities, scriptwriting projects, approaches to class discussion, and the use of dramatic activities to teach other subjects. (JG)