Summarizes 2 theater exercises for grades 8 and 11 respectively. States that the goal of the first exercise is to improve directing by organizing rehearsals for improvised and scripted scenes. Notes that the second exercise improves directing by interpreting dramatic texts and organizing and condensing rehearsals for informal or formal…

Describes the creation of a theater-based program for eighth-grade students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg (Georgia) Schools. Chronicles the efforts of playwright Ed Shockley to write a play focusing on teen violence and aimed at eighth-grade students. Concludes that the program and the play succeeded in accomplishing their goals. Relates three…

Describes a 10-week drama production project to create a scripted piece that suits adolescent actors. Notes that there is a scarcity of suitable scripts for middle school performers. Details the process used in the hope that others who face similar frustrations may learn from and adapt it for use in their own educational environments. (SC)