Reports on 16 productions at the Sixth Annual National Showcase of Performing Arts for Young People, hosted by the Detroit Institute of Arts on March 15-17, 1984, with professional companies from the United States and Canada. (PD)

Reports on the first Young Playwrights Festival presented by the Dramatists Guild and the Circle Repertory Company. The seven plays--directed, acted, and staged by professionals--were written by young people between the ages of 8 and 18 and were selected for production from more than 700 submissions. (PD)

Describes the Empire State Institute for the Performing Arts, the first state-mandated educational theatre for children in America, established for the youth and educators of New York State. (PD)

Welcomes the presence of young playwrights who write for both adults and young people. Surveys briefly the new generation of talent and their plays for young audiences. (PD)

Discusses a project proposed and implemented by the Children's Museum of Boston whereby children participate through 'role playing' in a program focusing on the changing role of children in the American family during the last two hundred years. Available from: Children's Theatre Review, Children's Theatre Association of America, American Theatre…

Analyzes levels of audience involvement in participation theater: (1) instruction, (2) direct contact, (3) independent creative, (4) contribution of ideas, (5) representative involvement, (6) decision making, (7) story control, and (8) spontaneous involvement. Contends that participation plays help a child develop into a responsive adult audience…

Reports the following research on plays presented in New York City from 1977-82: (1) the number having old age as a central focus; (2) length of runs; (3) aspects of old age treated; (4) positive or negative images on aging projected. (PD)

Introduces "Le Theatre de la Marmaille" from Quebec to the American audience and provides brief descriptions of its drama processes, writing workshops, research studies, scripts, and productions. (VLC)

Attempts to define and measure the developmental levels at which children identify with characters and interpret scenes in children's plays. Available from: Children's Theatre Review, Children's Theatre Association of America, American Theatre Association, 1029 Vermont Ave., N.W., Suite 402, Washington, D.C. 20005

A statistical analysis of a survey of children's desires for their'' theatre concluded children like funny stories with chases, action rather than talk, a happy ending, and no singing. (CH)

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)

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 special journal edition contains research reports on children and the theatre. The seven articles discuss the following subjects: (1) how audiences function in participation plays for young people, (2) creative dramatics and handicapped children, (3) the effect of advance organizers on children's responses to theatre viewing, (4) a Piagetian…

Examines how old age is portrayed in 35 popular plays for children. Suggests ways children's theatre can help children form positive attitudes on aging. (PD)

Contends that every individual should be offered the educational opportunity to develop aesthetically by exposure to the techniques, processes, and products of the arts. Discusses how, where, and by whom arts-in-education can be implemented. (PD)