A recent study from the National Endowment from the Arts showed that there has been a steep decline in theatre attendance. Not sure where that ranks among global warming, a dysfunctional government, and the possibility of a rogue meteor making this issue moot, but it seems to me that there’s more reason for concern than panic. Perhaps we should focus on one knuckle-whitening tragedy at a time.
True, an alarming number of kids have had little or no exposure to the arts. Yes, American kids do need to improve their math and science skills, but precluding the arts is a massive mistake. The arts (particularly theatre) teach collaboration, creative thinking, and perspective. I’ve also found the arts to be excellent for a different set of problem-solving skills than one might use in math or science. (How often does one hear in math class, “Yes, but how does pi make you feel?”) Moreover, the power of pee-your-pants laughter while thinking with one’s peers cannot be underestimated.
As part of a federal Positive Youth Initiative grant, Montgomery County officials asked me to teach a theatre class to 6th and 7th graders. Some of the kids’ first questions were: “During...
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decline, national endowment for the arts, study
Posted at: 08:32 PM | 0 Comments | Add Comment | Permalink
When I read Karl Marx.com, I couldn't help envisioning this novel as a play. Some of the scenes--with their odd characters and scenes both hilarious and tense--seemed perfectly designed for the stage. Weird characters and odd scenes? Now you're talking my language.
I approached the author, Susan Coll, with some wariness--uncertain both of her reaction and how well we might work together. However, upon meeting with her, it became clear that we shared a twisted sense of humor and general vision for the play. Perhaps her humor is slightly less twisted than mine...but, then again, she did at one point suggest that we pen a song entitled "Carbuncles." (Karl Marx had issues with carbuncles.)
She's been incredibly gracious and helpful.
Currently, we're working our way through the final scene. The cast is also coming together. I couldn't be more pleased; thus far we've heard of interest from some of my favorite actors in the D.C. area.
The plan is to have this play read at the Kennedy Center Page to Stage event and then take it from there. Off to finish that final scene and try to exorcise the word "carbuncles" from my head.
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karl marx.com, kennedy center, play, susan coll
Posted at: 01:12 PM | 0 Comments | Add Comment | Permalink
