The pedagogical principle of experiential learning embodied in the oral interpretation of literature through Readers' Theater provides an avenue to accomplish a seemingly daunting task. Students' participation in reading, interpreting, discussing, writing, assessing, and performing their own creative responses to a literary work promotes a…

Discusses the research and planning process involved in developing a college performing-arts center. Explores the questions to be answered in conducting a needs analysis, defines the four types of performance spaces to consider, and discusses the option of designating a facility as an arts center. (GR)

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.…

Organized along broadly historical lines, this comprehensive collection of outstanding plays includes 41 works from the classical Greek period to the contemporary. As an introduction to the theater, the collection is unmatched for its theatrical variety and cultural diversity. It provides: (1) a general introduction on reading and witnessing a…

The Dance Theatre of Harlem, which includes both a school and a publicly performing dance company, is described from its inception by its artistic director, Arthur Mitchell, to its current activities. Budgets, student characteristics, and philosophy are discussed. (LBH)

A program stressing student initiative, responsibility, and communications skills is described. (Editor)

Describes the history and the recent transformation of The New Victory Theatre in New York City with plans to make it into the city's first performing arts institution devoted exclusively to young people and family audiences. Lists plans for various programs, including educational programs for teachers and students. (CR)

The most popular liberal arts elective offered during "Interim," a three-week intensive study semester given at the Fashion Institute of Technology, is described. Course origin, concept and format, course instructor, department coordinator, and course modifications are described. (MLW)

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 15 titles deal with the following topics: (1) a taxonomy of educational objectives in acting; (2) contemporary musical theatre in Utah; (3) applying management concepts to educational theatre operations; (4) creative drama and…

Causes of project failure and common programing and design problems are discussed, including vague expectations, lack of architectural program detail, unwillingness to understand compromises, misunderstanding economics of audience size, site impact on budget, making a smaller facility less versatile, lobby expenses, late value engineering,…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 25 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: (1) the development of American theatre management practices between 1830 and 1896; (2) the aesthetics of audience response; (3) P. Picasso as a theatrical…

This paper details a step-by-step process for documenting university and college theatre history through the accession and preservation of materials. It offers advice for collecting materials; locating collections; handling materials; using R. Berner's "Manual for Accessing, Arrangement, and Description of Manuscripts and Archives";…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The seven titles deal with the following topics: (1) the effect of relaxation training on anxiety for the poetry recitation tasks among elementary school children; (2) musical theatre in higher education; (3) developing faith…

The Asolo State Theatre Company and Florida State University, operating together, provide a professional repertory theatre company, professional theatre training, a laboratory for theatre-related research, and a resource both for innovative teaching in the public schools and for undergraduate training in the humanities. Begun in 1960, this…

Explains how Louisiana State University improved its uncomfortable theater seating within budget by carefully adjusting the original design, clearly defining user expectations, and gaining contractor cooperation. (GR)