In this article, we discuss theater productions we mounted in the Marshall Islands as a case example of how the theatrical process, shaped by "polycultural" inclinations, contributes to the personal development of youth in the Marshall Islands. We contextualize and detail a unique theatrical process that has potential for fostering…

Before COVID, the author had led in-person readers theatre residencies with the same four fourth-grade teachers and their large public-school classes for over a decade. During COVID, the teachers wanted to do an online residency. The challenge: how to create theatre with young learners in isolated rooms, sitting alone, and seeing others only on a…

As I began my first year of graduate school--admittedly, a shaky start of my own--a group of my former students began to struggle with their transition to high school. Upon hearing this from my friend, colleague, and their current theatre teacher (who I will call Ms. M), I developed a workshop curriculum focused upon health for the artist to…

Increased technology use by college-age students (millennials) has created problems for the acting classroom. Constantin Stanislavski's technique is still the standard, but students arrive to campus unready or unable to engage in his methods or with each other, so new approaches are required. Classroom exercises are provided, many inspired by…

This article describes the profound changes experienced by the author during the two years she spent as part of the 52nd Street Project Teen Ensemble, playing the part of "Julia" in Shakespeare's musical play "The Two Gentlemen of Verona." The author reports the difficulty of playing the role, since the character was so…

The Saturday morning acting class in the Pearson Hall auditorium at Miles College boasts the school's highest attendance all year. The teacher, actress Robin Givens, was a lure few students--and others from surrounding areas--could resist. Some came to learn about their prospective field from a professional. Others were there for pointers to…

In autumn 2006 the Arts Council England set up the "Into the Scene" project in order to increase the number of disabled and deaf theatre practitioners graduating from accredited training courses and to increase the quality of their experience. A team from Graeae, the disabled-led theatre company that profiles the skills of actors,…

Reports on an on-site survey of six outstanding theatre programs in Las Vegas, Omaha, Minneapolis, Fort Wayne (IN), Flint (MI), and Midland (TX). Notes their successful features: high-energy leaders, total child concept, clear goals, outstanding facilities, play selection, etc. Covers actor training in depth. (PD)

Describes an effective technique the author uses in college productions to combat staleness in rehearsals and to help actors make new discoveries about their roles. (PD)

Community Performance Theater is a vehicle for creating collective knowledge based on oral history, opening dialogue in an urban setting, and paving the way for social change.

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)

This factsheet describes a theater workshop in London, England, called Chicken Shed, in which children with and without disabilities or learning difficulties work together to produce performances for public audiences. The factsheet describes the members of the theater workshop, the group's philosophy, the opportunities it offers, the impact of…

Senior theater programs can act as catalysts for involvement of senior citizens, promoting self-confidence and fostering creativity. Myths about older people (concerning senility, incompetence, decline in intelligence, learning, rigidity, and retirement) should be recognized as inaccurate stereotypes and as barriers to active and productive lives.…

An acting teacher can train students to bring the reality of their personal lives to the various artificial structures that give form to playscripts and that can otherwise induce rigid or mechanical performances if not balanced by the vibrancy of the actor. A series of exercises allows students to discover how they may use their own impulses,…

An American press history teacher develops student interest in his topic by masquerading as major personalities in the history of journalism. (RL)