iPads, iPhones, Notebooks, X-Boxes, PlayStations, Televisions, Computers. They've found their way into every corner of our lives. Add to that, the pressures of the modern education with standardized tests and crowded classrooms, and it seems that our children have lost the simplicity of childhood. Are our children losing their imagination, too?…

Almost all schools offer some sort of theater program, and many towns produce community plays. These events can be wonderful opportunities for children with special needs to gain a sense of belonging, develop social skills, and use their creative imaginations. But often individuals with special needs don't become involved. Why? Perhaps the task…

This handbook is designed for specific use by performing arts presenters and touring companies. These companies pose an immense range of production requirements and challenges to a presenter. The book stresses the basics of technical production with an emphasis on presenting dance. Dance has more inherent pitfalls in its production requirements,…

Discusses the research and planning process involved in developing a college performing-arts center. Explores the questions to be answered in conducting a needs analysis, defines the four types of performance spaces to consider, and discusses the option of designating a facility as an arts center. (GR)

This book helps theater teaching artists develop connections between their pedagogical and artistic selves. The book presents a framework for thinking about the work of teaching artists in general and theater teaching artists in particular. Through descriptive examinations of practice, the book also provides theater teaching artists and those who…

This publication provides suggestions for school and professional level dance program production. The first chapter contains a brief history of twentieth century costumes and settings for dance. The second chapter discusses program planning, auditions, and rehearsals. Costume design and construction are covered in the third and fourth chapters. In…

Offers advice for theater directors on how to take and give rehearsal notes that will enhance the casts' trust in the director and will help each rehearsal to build productively on the lessons of the previous one. (SR)

Defines a stage director's rehearsal note as a written reminder to tell an actor (or technical person) something seen during a rehearsal when there was no time to stop the action. Finds a note can contain a suggestion, a correction, or a compliment. Presents examples from play rehearsals of when a note was needed. (PA)

Contends that combining a direct mail campaign and telemarketing can help boost theater subscriptions. Describes the positive aspects of telemarketing employed by the theater at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. (MS)

The extensive use of improvisational techniques in rehearsals for chamber theatre productions develops for the performer a strong engagement with the text. The director can channel the movement and gestures that emerge from these techniques into the production itself, with results that more effectively convey the literature than traditional…

Causes of project failure and common programing and design problems are discussed, including vague expectations, lack of architectural program detail, unwillingness to understand compromises, misunderstanding economics of audience size, site impact on budget, making a smaller facility less versatile, lobby expenses, late value engineering,…

Presents a rehearsal plan that not only keeps everyone on task but also produces stronger scenes. Suggests techniques such as: reading to the wall (suggests having no audience), sit in a circle (recite lines simultaneously), present a teaser, and blocking (find lines where the actors should move). Outlines a rehearsal worksheet. (SC)

This paper details a step-by-step process for documenting university and college theatre history through the accession and preservation of materials. It offers advice for collecting materials; locating collections; handling materials; using R. Berner's "Manual for Accessing, Arrangement, and Description of Manuscripts and Archives";…

Presents some guidelines and suggestions on things to know when considering renting a backdrop for a show. Discusses backdrop basics, types of backdrops, where to find drops, and how to rent the drops. (SG)

Describes the author's experiences finding an administrative home for theater departments, whether seceding from a communication arts department, or combining with other arts areas to form a new department. Offers recommendations and advice. (SR)