Lists nine assertions pertaining to the field of theatre for children and youth. Spurs questions and discussion that provides useful contextualization for all of the papers presented for a symposium--papers which ranged widely over diverging ideological subjects. (SG)

Defines "applied theater" as a theater work which aims to process important social issues and which takes place in non-theatrical surroundings. Follows the evolution of one particular applied theater project about Matthew Shepard and examines the issues raised for those interested in applied theater's possibilities and constraints. (PM)

Defines ideology and representation as manifested in the field of theatre for youth. Discusses these theoretical constructs as they relate to practice in the field. Concludes that the field of theatre for young audiences is under-theorized. Hopes that the symposium has made participants more aware of the role of ideology, representation, and…

Provides a brief account of some of the philosophical, social, educational, and artistic factors that initially shaped theatre for young audiences (TYA). Examines how the rhetoric of theatre for the young has both reflected the changing nature of childhood as well as helped shape ideas of what childhood is. (PM)

Recounts the life and times of a pioneer children's theater playwright and fiction author, Nora Tully MacAlvay (1900-86). Points out that her interest in children's theater and children's literature was lifelong and intense. (PA)

Describes how a "virtual reality" production by the University of Kansas Theatre for Young People provided the opportunity to garner the perceptions and responses of child audiences as a descriptive study. Discusses students' perceptions of results. Provides little evidence of a "videocy" dimension of perceived reality, for it…

Recalls how theater in the United States celebrated the Bicentennial by offering "Yankee Doodle" by Aurand Harris. Explains that although the characters were considered to be quite progressive, the absence of a larger female and minority contingent means that the target audience remains the white male. Concludes that it is important to…

Relates how the Jesuits made the performance of plays integral to the curriculum of their schools. Reveals Jesuit rationales: (1) theater permitted them to accomplish their mission of propagating the faith; (2) public performances served as excellent publicity for their schools; and (3) theater could educate students who participated as no other…