Argues that theater is the natural art form of democracy. Defines democracy in theater as a system of popular rule that values the individual's contribution to defining, legislating, and regulating the common good--during rehearsals, all troupe members have to agree. Concludes that democracy in theater is not perfect, but it has more successes…

Relates experiences as a recruiter for college theater programs in Florida. Provides tips for students in finding an appropriate monologue, developing the audition, and performing the audition. (PA)

Points out that the concept of winning is an integral part of American culture, especially in athletics. Argues that theater programs should not be judged by the number of awards they win--theater is a cooperative venture rather than a competitive one. Recounts how a formerly competitive theater conference has now downplayed competition and…

Explores the challenges of performing children's nonsense poetry with, rather than to, an audience of children. Discusses different nonsense operations and offers a broad-based scheme for making performance decisions about what kind of nonverbal emphasis to use in performance. Includes examples with suggestions for performance. (SR)

Offers some comments on the Educational Theatre Association's survey on the status of theater in U.S. high schools in the same issue of this journal. Discusses finding the key factors responsible for good school theater. (PRA)

Offers an edited transcript of a speech given by Ronne Hartfield to the 1992 Educational Theatre Association National Convention. Discusses the transformative power of art and the potential of theater in the schools to create radical change in the way children learn, think and feel about themselves and their ability to shape their own world. (SR)

Maintains that, in children's theater, it is the responsibility of an individual theater to engage and educate its community, enact policies detailing its moral and ethical standards, and let the community know (via brochures, displays, etc.) what type of children's theater it produces. (SR)

Discusses the management of a school theater facility. Discusses the role of the theater manager at Smoky Hill High School. Discusses the creation of the plan to oversee the operation and scheduling of the theater facility. Includes a copy of the contract form for using the theater. (SR)

Describes how the Honolulu Theatre for Youth and Very Special Arts Hawaii developed the annual THEATREFEST, a successful program celebrating the work of young playwrights and performers. Discusses how the project came about and how it is yearly put together. (SR)

Describes the multifaceted process for assessing students over the course of their undergraduate degree work in the Department of Theater and Dance at Appalachian State University in North Carolina. (SR)

Describes the adoption of the video camera as a regular assessment and learning tool in acting classes. Finds that the camera assists in making valid judgments about student achievement if used in conjunction with clear articulation of the desired learning; the learning outcomes are sound; and the teacher is consistent in communicating the…

Outlines a basic approach to "Readers Theatre," the communication of literature in a theatrical context. Contains the exercises "Sardines Today!" which promotes awareness of poetic setting, and "Dress Up Day!" which presents an opportunity to explore the role of suggestive costuming. (PRA)

The words "theater" and "theory" have the same etymological source. "Theater" originates from a Greek word meaning "where you view"; theory comes from the same source and means contemplation, looking at, investigation. Theater, then, is both the location and the act of theoretical encounter, and as such has much the same value as a laboratory in…

Describes one couple's reflections of their grief and mourning following the death of their adolescent son, as well as the clinical team's reflection of therapy. Interventions such as reflecting teams, therapeutic letters, and "homework tasks" were used. Writing this article provided a "reader's theater" intervention that…

Provides some background on the idea of K-12 teacher portfolios which emerged from the educational reform movement. Notes their use for theater education in particular. Suggests what might be common inclusions in a portfolio. Suggests that those who aspire to work in higher education should create a curriculum vitae portfolio. (PA)