SOME THOUGHTS ON EDUCATION

by Steven Breese

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Some of my teaching has been centered in the stimulating world of liberal-arts. A liberal-education can offer a solid path for the student-artist to begin his/her educational process~this includes the professionally-minded student. I do not view liberal arts and professional training as mutually exclusive. Teaching-artists can challenge the professionally driven student while still attending to the needs/demands of a liberal education. In short, the study of Theater can not happen effectively in a vacuum. Some of areas any theater program must address:

Exposure (and performance application), to fundamental principles. These are the building blocks, the foundation, the reliable/proven theories the student will expand upon over time. Teaching/applying these principles should be one of our early goals in undergraduate theatre training. Acquaintance with these principles gives the student a common language and background; a body of thought and expertise that not only aids in communication, but acts as a springboard to launch the artist into a universe of new more experimentaly ideas and practices.

Exposure to dramatic literature. I include here a copy of a reading list (MS WORD only) I developed for T.C.U. in 1996. (I use this list frequently when presenting at conferences and conventions~it has been adopted and is in standard usage at several university theatre departments.) Studying and reading from this list helps expose students to a variety of dramatic material. It is not an exhaustive listing, nor do I expect that all students will take advantage of the challenges posed by such a catalog. However, it offers the young student-artist a focus from which to begin a lifetime of reading and exploration of dramatic literature. Creating life-long-learners is a realistic expectation in higher education and one that is often developed/stimulated by reading.

Exposure to the vast world of theatre. We in the United States have much to share artistically with the world's community. We sometimes forget that the global marketplace has much to offer. Students need to be aware that there is more to the study of theatre than what can be found in the New York Times and on Broadway (see multi-cultural statement).

Opportunity to apply one's skills. Theory without applied application may be valuable in some fields of study, but theatre exists only where philosophy and product intersect. Offering a wide variety of performance, design and production opportunities for the student-artist is key to any theatre education. Opportunity can come packaged in many shapes and sizes~from gold gilt to plain brown paper; all have their place; all have a function; all offer the ability to teach and to learn.

We, as teacher-artists have the responsibility to expose, challenge and lay the foundations for continued study and/or a professional career. Although no theatre program can be all things to all students, liberal-arts can offer quality education for both the academic and professionally-minded student.

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