Product Description

In the world of secondary theatre education, the impetus for change can arise at any moment because the needs of our adolescents and the conditions under which we teach them are in constant motion. How do successful theatre teachers keep pace with change while continuing to create student-centered, life-changing educational experiences?

As a veteran theatre educator, Joan Lazarus recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all answer; that's why, in researching Signs of Change, she interviewed 100 different members of the field to see how real teachers cope with the shifting demands of theatre education. Lazarus gives you a glimpse of active, dynamic professionals in motion-hurdling obstacles, tweaking ideas, or completely overhauling their curriculum in response to the challenges their programs face. You'll go behind the scenes and discover theatre education innovations that work, methods to make them happen in your school, and inspiring stories of how these changes will improve both your teaching and the lives of your students.

Change can come without warning and it can seem scary, but it can also stimulate a level of professional growth you never imagined possible. With her emphasis on best practices, hands-on activities drawn from her interviews, and rock-solid educational theory to back it all up, Joan Lazarus will change how you look at your practice, and how you look at change.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #372047 in Books
• Published on: 2004-07-09
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

About the Author
Joan Lazarus teaches in and is head of the theatre education program at The University of Texas in Austin. She has worked with secondary school students as a teacher and director and with educators and artists in professional development programs around the U.S. Joan is a recipient of the American Alliance for Theatre and Educations Creative Drama for Human Awareness Award and the Barbara Salisbury Wills Alliance Award.

Customer Reviews

A relevant and fascinating read
I am currently studying my masters in drama education. I bought this book on special because I wanted to read the teacher reflections. I am so glad I bought it!
It is easy to read and the reflections are interesting and insightful. Lazarus explores a lot of interesting drama education projects from racial issues to how to create a safe environment for performers and audience to share in a response to performance. I loved all the anecdotal evidence and words from actual practitioners. Lazarus also had a number of interesting comments on reflective practice.
I am from Australia and I was worried that this American text would not be relevant, but in my opinion it is globally relevant and could be used by any drama educator at any level.
More than worth the cost plus postage!