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. 

My Beliefs on Theatre Education

Hedgerow Theatre children warming up. Photo by Ashley E. Smith

I mentioned awhile ago that the blog post on actors and reading had prompted a friend to suggest I apply to present at the Assocation of Theatre in Higher Education conference. Well, I did. And I will be presenting as part of a panel on Theatre and the Liberal Arts!

I am so excited and honored to be a part of this group So I thought this would be a good time to share my thoughts on theatre education- its purpose, my purpose in it and whiy this is what I've chosen to do with my life.

I am a theatre artist and teacher, intrigued by the effects of story, music and ensemble on the human body and mind. I am also a professional actor and dancer. I have performed everything from Shakespeare to modern dance in venues across the nation. I have found that no matter what artistic project I am working on, the mind and the body must be engaged, cooperative and challenged to make valuable art.

My work is most satisfying when I am able to see a vision in my head translated into being in the classroom or on the stage. I love the process of creating and discovering, both alone and with my students. When I work with performers, I am reminded that every body is different, and learns differently.

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Idealism v. Revenue?

Rosehill Theater. Photo by Alan Cleaver. Used by CC License.

I was recently asked to describe my ideal theatrical experience versus and revenue generating theatrical experience, and if I thought the 2 could ever meet. Obviously, I think they have to, so this is what I said: 

To me, an ideal theatre experience is one that communicates meaning. This may be in the beauty of the work, the challenge of the subject matter, the sheer skill of the artists, or the suspension of disbelief and a creation of a world where things are a bit more as we wish they were. A revenue-generating theatre experience, while not omitting the opportunity for ideal experiences, often relies on tried and true season schedules, audience favorites and classics. Very little time and even fewer resources are allocated to risk-taking or exploration.

This often forces a struggle between art for art’s sake and commercial viability. I believe these viewpoints do not have to be mutually exclusive. I believe theatre education and outreach programs will make theatre experiences desirable both for aesthetic content and economic sustainability. When young people are exposed to the arts, they gain an appreciation for it. In a theatre class they learn the work that goes into creating a play, ie, research, reading, rehearsing, musicianship, dance skills, set, light, sound and costume design, etc. Having firsthand knowledge of the effort required to create a final product develops a level of appreciation for the art the a layperson lacks.

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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.