Describes the relationship between a set designer and a director. Explains that set design is an integral part of every production. Compares the different fears of the set designer and the director. Relates an experience in a University of Kansas production of "Gypsy" in which the production was a collaborative effort in all respects.…

Profiles GeVa Theatre's (a regional theater based in Rochester, New York) education programs, which offer student matinees to 5,000 students a year. (SR)

Discusses the difficulties of costume construction for high school theater productions. Advances a plan (and provides a design) for a mobile costume shop which contains the basic needs of a functional costume facility, using only 60 square feet of space. Lists every element and implement needed. (PA)

Describes a project focusing on "absurdist theatre"--reflecting the hopelessness of postwar Europe. Focuses on the major themes of the movement such as isolation, chaos, and individuality. Discusses absurd improvisations, broadening the scope into visual arts movements such as Dadaism, Surrealism, and Futurism, and applying theories to…

Describes how a director-choreographer and teacher can help novice dancers present a polished performance with some encouragement, a little creativity and psychology, and some easy, solid stagecraft. Presents a four-step approach beginning with determining skill levels during auditions, planning choreography for rehearsals, holding a cast meeting,…

Describes a "hands off" directing style encouraging student actors to think for themselves, not to mimic blocking and line readings imposed by a director. Notes that this directing style is not always appropriate. Suggests that most actors (even teenagers) will undergo a journey of transformation from being themselves to portraying other people…

Describes one school's experience taking a production on tour. Tells what happened during their preparation period, the choices that they made, and the answers to the statement "If I had to do over again...." Presents 11 lessons learned from their experience. Notes that touring a show teaches students invaluable lessons. (SG)

Discusses the use of "Commedia," a way of performing inspired by the historical "Commedia dell' Arte." Notes that it has proved a fertile source of inspiration for all types of physical and stylized theatre and a useful training tool for performers in many fields. Presents a series of exercises designed to introduce the student to Commedia…

Advocates rearranging the steps directors follow in conventional theater productions. Describes a collaboration with an artist and a group of Lake Ridge Academy (Ohio) theater students that began with the construction of a sculpture/set piece that inspired the performers to write. The company then performed these writings around the sculpture/set…

Discuses mainstreaming students into drama classes. Suggests ways to determine whether a student is ready to be mainstreamed, the importance of age and interest-appropriate mainstreaming, and casting scenes and plays. (RS)

Describes the Geraldine R. Dodge Theatre Program for Teachers and Playwrights that serves New Jersey drama teachers and professional playwrights, actors, and directors. (SR)

Describes an effective scene study class including the sequential tasks of: analyzing the script independently; collaborating with a scene partner and finding common ground; developing the throughline of action; and working the moments, the beats, and the overall scene until each moment flows into the next. Considers ways to set up classroom…

Discusses the activities of the Education Department at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, including the local education outreach program and the Partners in Education program promoting school-community partnerships. (SR)

Examines the idea of developing a play through a group effort. Draws on personal experiences of seeing this kind of work since the 1970s. Details techniques that have been used with various groups in a series of drama workshops over the years. (PA)

Describes the experiences of Highland High School (Salt Lake City, Utah) as they produced Gilbert and Sullivan's "Pirates of Penzance." Discusses the theatre director's role, the music director's role, and production techniques. Concludes the experience was rewarding and enjoyable. (RS)