Why Theatre Education?

Spring of 2010 I heard Pulitzer Prize winning author David K. Shipler speak on the multifold causes of poverty in America. Two points he made are as follows:

1.) Primary school children in low-income areas will respond to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” with professions like astronaut, doctor, and teacher. Most high school students in the same area will respond to that question with jobs that do not require a college degree and sometimes do not require a high school diploma.

2.) Many adults in employment-training programs are unable to participate in mock interviews or mock presentations, because they stare at the floor in silence unable to speak.

These two points grasp a wide handful of the reasons why I want to work in theatre education, a craft which teaches confidence, presence, communication skills, collaborative skills, people skills, analytical skills, creativity, imagination, problem solving, and an appreciation for the craft itself.

I am fascinated by the questions: How far does theatre translate? How far do these skills of the page, of the stage, of behind-the-scenes go?

How far translates being able…

to imagine?

to create a work of art with dozens of people from a spectrum of skill sets and communication methods?

to transform ink into empathy into action into giving a damn?

to stand in front of people and speak, feet solid, hands and breath steady, knowing that what you say is worth listening to?

to mess up, horribly even, in front of a crowd, pick yourself up, and continue?

I believe theatre translates far enough to allow many of those students Shipler interviewed to continue to answer astronaut, doctor, and teacher and maybe even actor, director, stage manager, or designer. I believe theatre goes far enough to allow many of those adults Shipler observed to look their audience in the eyes and speak with heads high.

I believe theatre goes far enough to give communities the tools to build a better future by meeting individuals where they are today.

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