Introduction

I used to be a professional producer, producing plays for people.  Now, I am a professional drama teacher, producing people for plays.  Fortunately, the “gender gap” is porous.  Themes that permeate lives of every new generation are riffs on age-old themes.  The task to which the drama teacher commits himself is age-old as well:  Find a hook.  We don't have to look far; the hook is engrained.  It is embedded with irrepressible self-interest in the mystery of our own lives, a parochial fascination without awareness of universal commonality.  Drama affords such awareness, awareness that may lead to action and transformation.  At the very least, it provides a map that helps us disentangle and pursue the prospect of relief.  Our task is to tantalize the student with his own predicament and relate that predicament to an analogous work of dramatic art. Toward that end, I will introduce plays which offer keen relevance, poignancy and wisdom for young people.  The list will extend beyond the standard fare and will include supportive discussion and substantive suggestions to facilitate and enhance production. 

 

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The drama theater at LaGuardia High School

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The concert hall at LaGuardia High School

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