Open Forum

Ok, it's "anticipation-of-the-coming-spring-break-burn-out-time," and, this year, my inevitable burn out seems to be manifesting itself in an absolute allergy to the jargon that is frenziedly volleyed around in schools and school cultures.  I was discussing this aversion to words, phrases, and shiny new concepts that can wedge themselves into our daily teaching lives (until they fade away and are replaced by new shiny things) with a wise friend in one of those "it doesn't even seem to be about teaching and learning any more" conversations, and my friend said that when she feels that way in her field (she's not in education) that she tries to "get back to basics."  One way she does so is to go back and read the fundamental touchstone texts of her field.

So, in time for spring break reading, I thought I'd throw the question out there to the community:

What do you consider to be the rock-bottom, fundamental books (articles?) on theatre, education, or educational theatre?  Those texts that really connect you to why we do what we do?

Or, what other experiences, besides reading, do you think connect you to that initial sense of purpose when you need to hit the re-set button?

By the way, "fundamental" doesn't necessarily have to mean "old."  I like reading the latest, greatest as much as anyone.

Happy spring, all.  

Ok, it's "anticipation-of-the-coming-spring-break-burn-out-time," and, this year, my inevitable burn out seems to be manifesting itself in an absolute allergy to the jargon that is frenziedly volleyed around in schools and school cultures.  I was discussing this aversion to words, phrases, and shiny new concepts that can wedge themselves into our daily teaching lives (until they fade away and are replaced by new shiny things) with a wise friend in one of those "it doesn't even seem to be about teaching and learning any more" conversations, and my friend said that when she feels that way in her field (she's not in education) that she tries to "get back to basics."  One way she does so is to go back and read the fundamental touchstone texts of her field.

So, in time for spring break reading, I thought I'd throw the question out there to the community:

What do you consider to be the rock-bottom, fundamental books (articles?) on theatre, education, or educational theatre?  Those texts that really connect you to why we do what we do?

Or, what other experiences, besides reading, do you think connect you to that initial sense of purpose when you need to hit the re-set button?

By the way, "fundamental" doesn't necessarily have to mean "old."  I like reading the latest, greatest as much as anyone.

Happy spring, all.  

The books I return to time an time again are Robert Edmond Jones, The Dramatic Imagination; Growtowski, Towards a Poor Theater; Any Stanislavski or Boleshlavski; The Empty Space and Theatre Games for Young Performers.

When I'm interested in a diversion, I often look at the theater of Robert Wilson. His operas are a hoot and often provide me with some inspiration or a redirection.

Enjoy your delve.

Ok, it's "anticipation-of-the-coming-spring-break-burn-out-time," and, this year, my inevitable burn out seems to be manifesting itself in an absolute allergy to the jargon that is frenziedly volleyed around in schools and school cultures.  I was discussing this aversion to words, phrases, and shiny new concepts that can wedge themselves into our daily teaching lives (until they fade away and are replaced by new shiny things) with a wise friend in one of those "it doesn't even seem to be about teaching and learning any more" conversations, and my friend said that when she feels that way in her field (she's not in education) that she tries to "get back to basics."  One way she does so is to go back and read the fundamental touchstone texts of her field.

So, in time for spring break reading, I thought I'd throw the question out there to the community:

What do you consider to be the rock-bottom, fundamental books (articles?) on theatre, education, or educational theatre?  Those texts that really connect you to why we do what we do?

Or, what other experiences, besides reading, do you think connect you to that initial sense of purpose when you need to hit the re-set button?

By the way, "fundamental" doesn't necessarily have to mean "old."  I like reading the latest, greatest as much as anyone.

Happy spring, all.  

Ok, it's "anticipation-of-the-coming-spring-break-burn-out-time," and, this year, my inevitable burn out seems to be manifesting itself in an absolute allergy to the jargon that is frenziedly volleyed around in schools and school cultures.  I was discussing this aversion to words, phrases, and shiny new concepts that can wedge themselves into our daily teaching lives (until they fade away and are replaced by new shiny things) with a wise friend in one of those "it doesn't even seem to be about teaching and learning any more" conversations, and my friend said that when she feels that way in her field (she's not in education) that she tries to "get back to basics."  One way she does so is to go back and read the fundamental touchstone texts of her field.

So, in time for spring break reading, I thought I'd throw the question out there to the community:

What do you consider to be the rock-bottom, fundamental books (articles?) on theatre, education, or educational theatre?  Those texts that really connect you to why we do what we do?

Or, what other experiences, besides reading, do you think connect you to that initial sense of purpose when you need to hit the re-set button?

By the way, "fundamental" doesn't necessarily have to mean "old."  I like reading the latest, greatest as much as anyone.

Happy spring, all.  

I will second (and third and fourth) Robert Edmond Jones' The Dramatic Imagination. Jones was a top set designer in NYC during from the teens into the forties, but the book isn't about set design as such: it's about theatre in its most basic form. It's a short book (one or two evenings) and a huge breath of fresh air. Available on amazon.

Another book I turn to, often, is Simon Sinek's Start With Why. This one explores leadership and motivation, focusing on his theory that oftentimes we spend so much effort on the "what" and "how" of a problem that we forget to even think about the "why." Another breath of fresh air, and also available at amazon.

Thank you, Ryan, for starting the thread! Some new titles for me to add to my Amazon list!

Ok, it's "anticipation-of-the-coming-spring-break-burn-out-time," and, this year, my inevitable burn out seems to be manifesting itself in an absolute allergy to the jargon that is frenziedly volleyed around in schools and school cultures.  I was discussing this aversion to words, phrases, and shiny new concepts that can wedge themselves into our daily teaching lives (until they fade away and are replaced by new shiny things) with a wise friend in one of those "it doesn't even seem to be about teaching and learning any more" conversations, and my friend said that when she feels that way in her field (she's not in education) that she tries to "get back to basics."  One way she does so is to go back and read the fundamental touchstone texts of her field.

So, in time for spring break reading, I thought I'd throw the question out there to the community:

What do you consider to be the rock-bottom, fundamental books (articles?) on theatre, education, or educational theatre?  Those texts that really connect you to why we do what we do?

Or, what other experiences, besides reading, do you think connect you to that initial sense of purpose when you need to hit the re-set button?

By the way, "fundamental" doesn't necessarily have to mean "old."  I like reading the latest, greatest as much as anyone.

Happy spring, all.  

Ok, it's "anticipation-of-the-coming-spring-break-burn-out-time," and, this year, my inevitable burn out seems to be manifesting itself in an absolute allergy to the jargon that is frenziedly volleyed around in schools and school cultures.  I was discussing this aversion to words, phrases, and shiny new concepts that can wedge themselves into our daily teaching lives (until they fade away and are replaced by new shiny things) with a wise friend in one of those "it doesn't even seem to be about teaching and learning any more" conversations, and my friend said that when she feels that way in her field (she's not in education) that she tries to "get back to basics."  One way she does so is to go back and read the fundamental touchstone texts of her field.

So, in time for spring break reading, I thought I'd throw the question out there to the community:

What do you consider to be the rock-bottom, fundamental books (articles?) on theatre, education, or educational theatre?  Those texts that really connect you to why we do what we do?

Or, what other experiences, besides reading, do you think connect you to that initial sense of purpose when you need to hit the re-set button?

By the way, "fundamental" doesn't necessarily have to mean "old."  I like reading the latest, greatest as much as anyone.

Happy spring, all.  

Has anyone read Acting at the Speed of Life by Timothy Mooney?  It's been sitting and waiting for me to open it.