Discusses censorship issues, such as the "decency clause," that affect both commercial and collegiate theater. Examines how the subject has been weighed and viewed by courts from a number of perspectives. (SR)

Charles Dickens was not only a master novelist but was also a master in the art of performance. His distinctive reading style was in marked contrast to the standard practices of mid-nineteenth century elocution, but his unique readings and performance philosophy closely resemble the text-centered approach of modern oral interpretation. Considered…

In this chronology of the work of Owen Dodson, former chairman of the Department of Drama at Howard University, a biographical portrait and a listing of his many literary works is provided. (RLV)

In the early 1900s adults found the theatre unsatisfactory entertainment for children. In the name of children's rights, children were forced out of the audience and off the stage of New York's professional theatres. (PD)

Traces the development of the Association Internationale du Theatre pour l'Enfance et de la Jeunesse (ASSITEJ), the international association of theaters for children and youth, which celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary in 1990. (SR)

An overview of the textbooks for teaching directing from the 1920s through the 1980s reveals several trends in how directing has been taught. The books published before World War II indicate that classes were intended for the director of community theater and school productions. All aspects of play production are included, such as techniques of…

Sketches the nature of early theater, vaudeville, and film competition. Focuses on one tool of competitive strategy--protection by copyright. (JMF)

Recounts the life and times of a pioneer children's theater playwright and fiction author, Nora Tully MacAlvay (1900-86). Points out that her interest in children's theater and children's literature was lifelong and intense. (PA)

Discusses how Felix Adler's Ethical Culture School, through its innovative practices, impacts public education and settlement work, and plays a significant role in shaping the methodologies, practices, and content of educational drama in the United States from the inception of the field. Describes the use of story dramatization/storytelling,…

Discusses changes that have taken place in children's theater in the United States during the past 25 years. Describes a few persistent problems that, despite striking and positive shifts, have attached themselves to the achievements and have refused to go away. (SR)

Recalls how theater in the United States celebrated the Bicentennial by offering "Yankee Doodle" by Aurand Harris. Explains that although the characters were considered to be quite progressive, the absence of a larger female and minority contingent means that the target audience remains the white male. Concludes that it is important to…

One of the most creative, active, purposeful and successful efforts of the Federal Theatre Project (FTP), active from 1935 to 1939, was the Children's Theatre. Plays for production were selected on the basis of educational and cultural value, with special attention on sufficient realism to help children's awareness of self and place in the world.…

Reviews the 40-year history of an association dedicated to the growth and development of children's theatre and child drama in the U.S. and abroad. (PD)

Traces the history of public music performances in colonial New England, with emphasis on the development of theaters and concert halls. Drawings of several of these buildings are included. (SJL)

Describes Elbridge T. Gerry's work from 1874 to about 1900 as founder and director of the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Notes his place at the center of the controversy surrounding children on the professional stage in New York. (SR)