This paper is based on an inquiry carried out among a small group of children between the ages of 10 and 12 years, who, in the framework of an art-workshop, attended two theatrical performances of the same subject, Homer's Odyssey, but of quite different directorial approaches: the first performance had a narrative character following the basic…

This dissertation explores how children (ages five-twelve) engage with the past through performance. Three case studies treating nineteenth-century western US history yield information about a spectrum of performance activities ranging from living history to community theatre to doll play. Reflecting on Richard Schechner's concept of…

Summarizes a comprehensive study isolating long- and short-term recollections of young audiences in regard to characters, themes, scenography, objects, and sound effects of 26 theater productions over a 17-year period. Finds that, in general, young audiences recall more strongly those theatrical elements further removed from reality. (SR)

If art, when defined by existential and phenomenological boundaries, promotes self-understanding, then the verbal arts in particular offer fully developed hypothetical analogues of humans in action. The need to find some measure of self-knowledge through art does not diminish with age, but the self-understanding promoted by the portrayal of the…

Responds to Catherine Dezseran's call for children's plays with "serious" subject matter, approves of her ideas, and suggests that more pointed criticism of the contemporary plays she mentions would be helpful to writers of children's plays. (JC)

Reports on a study which interviewed children (fourth, fifth, and sixth graders) on the following issues: who should play child protagonists in children's theatre (adults or children); which actor in a particular production was most believable and realistic; and casting advice for directors of children's theatre. (SR)

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)

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…

"Children?s Voices" is a longitudinal research project to document and understand children's perceptions of live arts performance and the impact on their teachers and school communities. The research conducted in South Australia with 135 5?12-year-olds in four schools involves collaboration between the South Australian Department of…

Describes 45 third graders'"dramatic literacy" and the modal sources for inferences. Finds that (1) the more children used visual cues, the more they used verbal and psychological cues; and (2) inferences about the play's theme were related to aural recall of thematic dialogue and what children reported learning from the play. (SR)

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)

To help reduce sexism in children's theatre productions, directors should make a conscious effort to eliminate negative patterns from scripts. They should give attention to the roles of the characters, since female characters are often relegated to the roles of waiting for a male, a supportive parent or sister, or a passive admirer of a male.…

Uses semantic differential to assess specific and global attitudes of children toward the theater experience. Shows that the semantic differential can be used with fifth grade children. (SR)

Before considering the portrayal of values in children's dramaturgy, this paper discusses definitions of values, examines the way in which children learn values and the confusion about values that contemporary children may feel, and reviews books that deal with the role of children's literature in values education. It then identifies five…

Rates children's responses to selected probing questions after they viewed a theatrical production. Finds that (1) those who received continuous class drama and theatre-viewing experiences since kindergarten gave more high-level responses; and (2) there was no significant difference between the way boys and girls responded to the questions. (MS)