The Moth is a nonprofit performing arts organization dedicated to true stories told live, and its education programs make space for students and educators to tell their stories. In this edited transcript of a panel discussion given by student alumni of Moth storytelling programs, participants discuss the impact of personal narrative performance on…

In "The Art of Theater," the author proposes and explains a claim that many theater people hold true in some form but have defended in a manner that has had almost no success outside discussions among themselves. The claim proposed is that, in an unqualified way, theater is a form of art. By that the author means theatrical performances are "what…

Recently the author has been including in her undergraduate seminars Jean-Jacques Rousseau's "Letter to d'Alembert on the Theatre" (1758), the most provocative essay on the arts ever written. It is about the unintended effects of theater--which, for Rousseau, stands in for all of the arts--on an audience. The essay is an impassioned rebuttal to…

The artistic quality of creativity is not unique to artists but is carried out more skillfully by those who are artists than by those who are not. The artist participates with the rest of humanity in the essential part of creativity, communication, and develops a consonance--a resonance--between the work of art and the audience. The ritual of…

Aesthetics, as a distinctively "philosophical" exercise, whether with respect to research or to teaching, is supposed to be about the "theory/theories" that underpin the works of art in these various fields. Given this, "applied aesthetics" demands a preliminary explanation. First of all, the phrase might refer to an analysis of a particular work…

Believes that children's theater can reach a new level of acceptance and importance despite reduced resources, but practitioners must emphasize quality, standards, artistry, and professionalism, not just quantity and enthusiasm. Considers ways to guarantee and reward artistry. (PD)

This paper makes six assertions concerning the artist as experimenter and the means by which artists progress from experiment to experiment. (1) The family resemblances typically cited between the arts and the sciences are trivial, tend to be wish-fulfilling analyses of the common logic of art and science, and promise more than they can deliver.…

This article urges a constructive dialog between artists and educators in order to establish a new direction for the education of youth with special talents in the arts. The fundamentals of artistic talent are discussed, followed by consideration of effective means to identify potential talent and develop talents in all students, including…

Reflects on the state of the arts in general and theatre arts in particular. Examines the role of controversy in the arts; discusses "elitism," issues of diversity and being committed to community. Argues that deep, substantive discussions are needed on the value to society of the arts and the values that the arts uphold and exemplify. (SR)

Asserts that the arts offer students in developmental education new ways to acquire creative and critical skills that are essential for becoming self-directed learners. States that the arts offer alternative forms of literacy and ways to construct meaning and sensitize students to other cultures. Contains 19 references. (VWC)