School Days

A friend or peer might see a show and say that the relationships felt true to life or true to her experiences, which makes for a satisfying evening in their eyes. While I can certainly see the artistic merit in such work, I wonder if this kind of reflection is anything more than looking in a mirror if it does not somehow change the way we live and the way we approach the world. What is its purpose?

The idea that there are profound plays of political content, and then there are “relationship plays” is an attitude I have encountered many times in many places. It seems to me that there is this idea that theater must be political theater, because we, in our cushioned Occidental culture, have determined that diversity is a political issue, not a tool through which to be inclusive and explore humanity…right?

When an actor asks a question in rehearsal, the director responds, “What does the play want?” Then they have a conversation trying to figure out what the illusive play must want. But the play is not out there floating around for them to discover. I believe that theater must never serve the mystical play more than the people in the room.

Jack Serio looks into the consequences of censoring topics that high schools are trying to grapple with like sex and drugs. What happens when theatre is not allowed to be a place for discussion?

Kai Green presents a metaphysical monologue centering on the relationship of the dramaturg to a new play, and how standing outside of a play's development is much like loving a child at arm's length.

A call to theatre students to help develop the conversation about what issues are happening in their communities and how we can create change.

Theatre can learn some lessons from baseball about how to honor audiences and get them to continue coming to shows

Sarah Bartly calls for submissions from students on their vision of the future of the theatre industry.