Comments on: Theaterosphere thoughts on Educational Theater

By: sandrar

sandrar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:07:10 +0000

Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. Cheers! Sandra. R.

By: dennisbaker

dennisbaker — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:39:48 +0000

Thanks for sharing Mary. I emailed your comment to a few of my colleagues and they loved hearing of the work you are doing.

Its great to hear that the students are jumping into the work. We just finished performing Greek scenes for our Acting/Directing class and we were struggling as graduate students so it would be exciting to see how 5th and 6th graders embrace the work.

By: Mary Ann Brandt

Mary Ann Brandt — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:18:32 +0000

I am a regular classroom teacher who went into the public school classroom 19 years ago after working with Viola Spolin for more than twenty years prior to that. I have been working with 5th and 6th graders for decades. Kids this age can appreciate and perform real theater for audiences of their peers and for adults. Six years ago, as part of a study on ancient Greece, two sixth grade classes joined to perform Aeschylus’ Oresteia – all three plays Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, and the Eumenides. We also explored the history of the House of Atreus and put together our own short play to introduce the hubris and the curse behind the play. This year we are preparing Hamlet (a one hour version) for peers and adults. Kids, with coaching and respect, do appreciate serious theater.

By: dennisbaker

dennisbaker — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 05:56:59 +0000

Hi Annie,

Thanks for the comment. I am in the college and communities concentration. I do not have a desire to work in public schools full time and therefore did not get go on the teaching certification course. I think it is a great program to learn how to become a teacher. Their mean thrust is the idea of drama in education. Using drama to teach the other fields of math, science, social studies, etc. They are also focused in theater of the oppressed and social justice. There is plenty more I can tell you about the program. If you want to hear more or have specific questions drop me an email.

By: Annie

Annie — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:01:16 +0000

Hi Dennis,
I’ve been spending the evening researching the educational theatre MA program at NYU and somehow I found your site on through google. I was wondering what concentration you chose? Just curious. Deciding on what grad schools to apply to is such a complex task. How have you found the program to be for you thus far?
Thanks,
Annie

By: dennisbaker

dennisbaker — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:12:56 +0000

Good example Erin. I forgot to mention the students in Burbank, CA who protested at their high school because the principal did not allow Laramie Project to be performed on campus. I think Laramie Project is the type of play Ardal is talking about. One that has universal themes for young and old audiences.

By: Erin C.

Erin C. — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 02:15:54 +0000

One of the more compelling pieces of theater I have seen is a youth theater production of “The Laramie Project.” I know that children performing theater is a little different than the TYA (performing for children) you are talking about, but the beginning of this post made me happily remember this production. I was amazed at the ability of these children to tell such a dramatic (and politically charged) story. It would have been a shame if this company avoided “Laramie” because of the content. Theater opportunities like this give children an outlet for communication and expression, and the children involved with “Laramie” benefited immensely.

I think your point of theater lasting well past sports is a valid (and insightful) one. I made a similar decision- I was competing as a junior in tennis, and I was also an actor/singer. When I got into college I had to make a choice, and ultimately chose acting. Most of the arts (except for dance) can be for life, while sports will have a natural end when the body gives out. I believe so strongly in exposing youth to the arts, and appreciate that you are studying educational theater!