Let's Review- Readings for Creativity

Howard Sherman asks "What are the arts?".

Michael Michalko shares "The 12 Things You Aren't Taught in School- About Creative Thinking".

And the ever-present question for so many creatives- "Should You Work for Free?".

Bonus: Jessica Wilt, over at the Clyde Fitch Report, shares her thoughts on teaching troubled kids. 

Good Reads on the Business of Art

Joe Patti at Butts in the Seats asks if we Can Pursue the Intrinsic Value of Art Alone, noting that a lot of grant funding requires an education or outreach purpose, not solely artistic. On the heels of my Idealism v. Revenue post, I found this really interesting. Be sure to read the comments!

The Daily Dish highlights Steven Soderbegh’s retirement, in which he touts the problem solving abilities of artists. 

Let's Review- The first 2 weeks of 2013- That just might change all of 2013

Polly Carl wrote the most important thing I’ve read so far this year. Maybe the most important thing I will read this year. This Year, Let’s Redefine Success. This post, read with the two below, have shaped my outlook for the year.

Adam Thurman at Mission Paradox on What to Do Next. I needed to read this. Especially at the beginning of a new year. And still basically the beginning of a new job.

A fabulous post from Cathlyn Melvin about the stories of Arts Education. It reminds me why I do what I do. What I love most about teaching the arts to children- not just developing their talent, but developing their lives. 

Let's Review- This Blog in 2012

photo by lowjumpingfrog Used by CC

I’m looking back over what I wrote this year. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t a lot. But of what I did write, I think I had some good stuff! So here is my Best of Album of posts from 2012. Please feel free to leave a comment! (All mentioned pieces are linked to inside the main entry)

In February, I created My Artistic Statement. January was full of exercises and brainstorming, and I’m pretty please with what I wrote.

In May, I reflected on my role as a teacher and the role of the arts in education. Do We Teach the Product? Or the Process? And, Does it Matter? Teachers, what do you think?

In June, an NEA fellow really ticked me off with her column in the Huffington Post on modern dancers. I am a Dancer. No, Not “that” Kind of Dancer.

In September, I posted on a subject I know well- reading. I believe Good Actors are Good Readers. And, I was inspired by Isaac Butler’s list at Parabasis to identify More Dangerous Myths for Artists. I listed my big 3 here. What dangerous myths do you believe?

In October, I grappled with A Woman’s Place in the Theatre, as many bloggers were. I’ve got no answers, only lots of questions. I would love your comments on this one!

In November, I had my first official directing job. It was like herding cats. But much more rewarding. Directing is a like a road trip...with 20 children. 

Let's Review- Week of 12/3

Arts Education

The Daily Dish draws attention to Helen Vendler’s work in Harvard Magazine. She fears the undergraduate admissions process omits artists and creatives.

Richard Beck, a theologian, was talking to his wife, a theatre teacher. She was stressed about her production being “good”.

The case is made for athletic majors, using arts majors as a standard.  

According to Lyn Gardner, “you are never too young for the theatre”. And I agree.

Arts Profession

Erin Cronican reminds us that a life is the arts is neither glamorous nor easy. It requires sacrifice. Her list of 10 can apply to many freelance professionals, not just actors.

How old is too old to play a certain role? The Old Vic last week cast Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones as Beatrice and Benedick. Lyn Gardner offers thoughts here.

I get to do what I love. So do Leo Babauta and Scott Dinsmore.

Michael Kaiser praises the arts scene in Miami!

Arts Criticism

The Stage UK questions the need for context, and whether than can be too much info.

Grammar

Hyphens, en- and em-dashes! (HT: The Daily Dish)

Politics

Andrew Sullivan cultivates a series called Letters from Millennial Voters. As one, this was resonant and insightful. Link goes to the first of the series, but I think it’s up to 3 or 4 installments now.