This article addresses how theatrical improvisation can be used as a creative teaching tool to develop English language learners' listening and speaking skills, to create an environment that encourages them to use the target language, and to gain confidence in their own abilities and experiences to become successful English speakers. Improvisation…

Art educators are concerned with exposing their students to contemporary art making practices. They aim to create fresh lessons that expand their understandings of art in today's world while highlighting the importance of imagination. With a personal interest in performance and street art (art forms that have gained popularity in recent years),…

What does an introduction to and engagement in performance art offer K-12 students? In this article, we respond to this question by proposing a lesson inspired by the artmaking practices of the contemporary artist Erwin Wurm. Performance art can be defined as any form of work that combines the artist's body and a live-action event with or…

This article provides an in-depth analysis of a play that I wrote centering on 4 international students' experiences studying and living in the US. It consists of 5 scenes, which delve into the topics of cultural differences, first impressions of the US, university systems, friendship, time and personal space, stereotyping and discrimination, and…

Established in 1880, the University Musical Society (U.M.S.) in Ann Arbor, Michigan is one of the most innovative venues for music and the performing arts in the United States. Each season, it offers performances by renowned American and international artists. Through the society's youth education program, performers entertain and educate…

Outlines a basic approach to "Readers Theatre," the communication of literature in a theatrical context. Contains the exercises "Sardines Today!" which promotes awareness of poetic setting, and "Dress Up Day!" which presents an opportunity to explore the role of suggestive costuming. (PRA)

Describes a two-day class plan in which students learn about performance and production aspects of a Shakespearean play and become sensitive to the multiple readings that can exist in a text. (SR)

Describes the Syllabus Exchange program, developed by the Theater History Focus group of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education. Analyzes 22 syllabi to determine the primary goals of teachers of Introduction to Theater; types of assignments given to students; teaching strategies employed; and specific organizations of class materials…

Presents a drama-in-education project for middle school students to experience the dilemmas and choices of immigration to America. Offers four lesson plans and prelesson work which include dramatic techniques, culminate in projects, and promote problem solving, accountability, creative thinking, and group cooperation. (SR)

Objects to traditional scheduling practices in which band rehearsals are not started until well into the academic year. Argues that starting at the beginning of the year offers numerous advantages. Presents a number of lessons that can be employed in early band rehearsals, even before students are familiar with their instruments. (DSK)

A practicum assignment designed for master's-level teacher trainees in the field of English as a second language is presented with a sampling of the results. The assignment was to design a communicative syllabus to cover three 50-minute periods and focus on three of these areas: language arts, language for a purpose, personal second language use,…