Repetition in vocal characterizations and deviant listening perceptions are two major weaknesses of American acting. That is, voices and diction usually sound the same in everything the actors do, but no one perceives it. One reason listening is so deficient is because of the uninformed or incorrect concepts of those who practice or teach acting.…

Drama in the classroom is the theme of the 14 articles in this issue, which can be used as resource material for teachers concerned with incorporating drama into the English curriculum. Titles and authors are as follows: "All the World is a Stage--Except the American Classroom" (Charles R. Duke); "A Drama Program for All Seasons" (Paul Cervoni and…

This book with a three-part format contains information which the would-be thespian needs to know for maximum enjoyment and success in stage activities. The first part, "Heritage," traces the history and development of the theater from primitive ritual through the drama of classical Greece and Rome, the Renaissance, and modern Europe and America,…

Carolina Readers Theater is touring the Region with a dramatic portrayal of the essence of the Appalachian character and experience. (Author)

An organic approach to style in acting can lend credibility and power to performances and can enhance the clarity and extent of what is communicated to audiences about other social worlds. The organic approach is based on the following principles: mental experience and expressive behavior are inseparable and reciprocal; experience in either mode…

Clara Tree Major, the first producer to provide professional touring plays exclusively for children's audiences (from 1925 until 1954), not only produced these plays but also wrote the scripts by adapting children's stories for the theatre. This paper investigates Major's playwriting principles and techniques, examines Major's philosophy in play…

Suggests ways to create appropriate, well-fitting, economical costumes. (PD)

Paper presented at 1969 convention of American Educational Theatre Association (Detroit). (RD)

Presents criteria for selecting plays for secondary school theater programs to be presented to the public as well as to be studied or produced within the curriculum. Includes consideration of student needs and abilities, appropriateness, budget, and community standards. (JMF)

Discusses the contributions of Clare Tree Major, the first theatre professional to provide touring plays exclusively for children's audiences, and examines her treatment of classic children's literature through the play "Little Women" Available from: Children's Theatre Review, American Theatre Association, 1029 Vermont Avenue, N.W. Suite…

Presents an outline of six basic preparation activities for student actors, including reading the play, doing historical research, elemental exercises, learning the part, creating the character, and exercises in movement and voice. (JMF)

Describes the drama program at Wykeham Rise School, Washington, Connecticut, which provides three hours of class time each day. The instructor describes her use of improvisation in preparing the students and developing the characters in the productions. Comments by two students are included. (JMF)