From: "Mark S. Segal" <segalpuppets-AT-comcast.net>
To: <puptcrit-driftline.org-AT-lists.driftline.org>
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] A question to the list about teaching artists
Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 08:04:04 -0500


I have to definitely agree here. Personally do over 500 shows/year in 
schools, day cares, etc. and the worst thing are what I call dead head 
teachers! People who absolutely amaze me that they are actually responsible 
for little minds.

Now on the other hand there are those that are fully involved and 
participatory. My personal feeling is that it comes from the top (principal) 
on down.

Those situations are a joy!!!!! And FUN!

Personally also find that the chain day cares are usually the very bad of 
the bad.

There is never any one rule to go by. Had an urban school with older kids 
and they were just great! In a difficult room. Their teachers on the other 
hand...well I can't think of a word that would be appropriate and at the 
same time descriptive enough.

My belief (all though it is strained at times) is that there is no such 
thing as a bad audience. The performer is obligated to perceive and flex to 
the (audience's) needs.

But to be honest sometimes in the face of adversity...one just doesn't care.
Although when that happens well each moment is a new one with an 
opportunity. At least that is what I was taught.

Mark S.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <WIPuppets-AT-aol.com>
To: <puptcrit-driftline.org-AT-lists.driftline.org>
Sent: Monday, January 17, 2005 9:05 PM
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] A question to the list about teaching artists


>I feel compelled to contribute a very simple observation about the  number
> one thing (pet peeve) which leads to a bad situation whether performing 
> or
> teaching: When teachers consider the time I/we spend with their students 
> as break
> time for them, and they leave the room, or simply use the time to grade
> papers, etc., we have much less chance of being an artist or a teacher.
>
> On the other hand, the best situations are those where the teachers have
> taken the time and interest to prepare their students for the workshop a/o 
> show
> which helps make the time we spend in the school that much more 
> meaningful.
> Ideally, we are supporting each other in our efforts to introduce 
> students to
> the arts, as well as practical, fun ways to explore other subjects.
>
> While quite general, these thoughts are based on hundreds  of hours of
> teaching and thousands of performances in schools throughout  the west and 
> midwest.
> Thanks for the opportunity to share.
>
> Nancy Aldrich
> Artistic  Director
> Tears of Joy Theatre
> 323 NE Wygant St. #201
> Portland, OR  97211
> (503) 284-7562
> www.tojt.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
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> http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
>
> 


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