Option #3: Personal Manifesto
The Sam Houston State University Theatre Center is an amazing starting point for many young theatre professionals. Our department has high expectations across the board for every student, but what makes this school such a great educational foundation for young theater professionals is the highly trained and highly experienced team of faculty. During my time at SHSU these professionals have instructed me in building my own philosophy of educational theatre.
My Philosophy on Educational Theatre (thus far)
( In the following I use the terms 'young professionals' and 'students' interchangeably... they mean the same thing)
My purpose, value, and teaching methods are included in the following statements.
1. The Instructor
2. The Material
The Golden Keys: a)Self motivation b)Resilience c)Smarts
(for the purposes of this assignment, my definition of smart is 'well read.')
1. I believe that educational theatre is in the hands of the instructor, they are how the students "learn to be." The instructors of theatre are the power houses that the students use to charge themselves for life.
I believe a great instructor of theatre makes a student crave. Crave to find what aspects they (the students) love most in theatre. Crave to get up and work harder every day. Crave to be their best. Crave to want to impress themselves. We all know that theatre is easy to love, but it takes a great instructor to teach the student no to turn their back on theatre when they feel theatre has turned its back on them.
I believe a great theatre instructor can keep their students motivated. When a student is discouraged by not making a show, a great instructor of theatre can (distract) motivate the student to try something else in the mean time that will also allow them grow. This in turn will show the student that they must be resilient.
If one desires to be a theatre professional, one has to be self motivated, resilient and smart; not all young professionals are aware of this yet. A great instructor of theatre will not treat their student as if they are of no value if they fail; a great instructor will explain to the student what they did well and tell them what would have made it better, and what they could do right, then, and there to lead them in the positive direction. So, in a nut shell my philosophy of a great theatre educator is someone who is powerfully motivated. So powerfully motivated that if they wanted to they could motivate a turtle to run a mile in a minute.
2. In the theatre profession it is so important to be well read. There is just not enough emphasis put on this. In this category, knowledge is definitely power. I believe a great instructor of theatre can inspire their students... over and over again. The material that a student is presented will lead them into becoming more creative, it will lead them into finding a place that's all their own, but most importantly it will trap them in becoming smart (sneaky, huh).That is what leads me to believe that an array of master pieces and non-masterpieces, commonly known and commonly unknown should be presented to the student, so they know that the world is filled with glorious and not so glorious works.
In believing this, I have concocted a season of shows that I would like to see done at the Sam Houston State University Theatre Center.
Fall Semester:
1. Main Stage- Non Musical
The Crucible by Arther Miller
Reason: At our university, I believe this script will be important in every facet of our department. I think the actors would be able to make this a very mature production that our students and audiences both would appreciate.
2. Raven Rep 1
The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
Reason: This is a fantastic master piece and I feel is important on an educational basis. I think students and audiences alike would love to see something from this era. It has a little of everything and would make a great production.
3. Raven Rep 2
Ms. Julie by August Strindberg/ Student Directed
Reason: This is a beautifully frank and dramatic piece that students will really be able to work with. It would give good opportunity to really exercise students' talents.
4. Main Stage Musical
O! What a Lovely War by by Joan Littlewood and Workshop
Music and Lyrics by Steven Sondheim
Reason: This is a historical and comical musical that would be enjoyed by those viewing and those working on this piece. I feel it would allow actors and students to ramble up very own 'bag of tricks' as they work on and view this piece.
Spring Semester:
1. Main Stage Non Musical
Our Town by Thornton Wilder
Reason: This piece, academically should if not produced, definitely be taught. It will teach actors that creativity is always their best friend.
2. Raven Rep 1
Uncommon Women and Others by Wendy Wassterstein
Reason: Wendy is an intelligent and insightful author. This piece about women reminiscing of their college years will sure to be great work for students at the college level.
3. Raven Rep 2
A Lie of the Mind by Sam Shepard
Reason: Another piece that will allow actors to really work.
4. Main Stage Musical
Assassins by
I'd also like the children's show Holes to be produced.
"Theatre is a Science Theatre is Mathematical* Theatre is a Foreign Language Theatre is History Theatre is Physical Education Theatre is Business Theatre is Technology Theatre is Economics Theatre is taught in schools Not because you are expected to major in theatre, Not because you are expected to perform all through life, Not so you can relax, Not so you can have fun, But So you will recognize Beauty So you will be Sensitive So you will be closer to an Infinite beyond this world So you will have more Love, More Compassion More Gentleness, More Good, In short, More Life. Of What value will it be to make a prosperous living Unless you know how to live? That is why theatre is taught in our Schools."
http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/education/9726-why-teach-theatre-our-schools.html
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