Children's theatre : in search of an approach to theatre by children, for children

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Children's Theatre, although appreciated by participants, has largely beenmarginalized, even by practitioners in theatre. It is still viewed as a lesser formoftheatre and as a dumping ground for resources from adult theatre.There are two main areas of focus as far as the field of drama for children isconcerned. Both areas are based on the notion that play is an important andbeneficial part of child development and that dramatic play is a naturaldevelopment of free play. This study examines the similiarities and differencesbetween the two approaches. The one area concerns itself with creative oreducational drama where the child participates in drama activities, usuallywithin a classroom situation. The other area, which is, in fact, the main focus ofthis study, concerns itself with theatrical presentation for children, i.e.Children's Theatre.Children's Theatre, with adults as the performers, is the most familiar form ofChildren's Theatre and yet, the one form which directly influences mostchildren, in particular through participation in the school play, is Children'sTheatre where children are the performers themselves, in other words, a form ofparticipational theatre. This form of theatre has the potential for influencingchildren's lives immensely and yet it is often left to persons with no expertise inthe field to lead such projects. The opportunity for truly enriching theparticipants' lives is often lost through poor methodology.Historically, the aims and values set for Children's Theatre have alsoundergone development to the point where a synthesis has been reached whereequal emphasis is to be placed on the quality of the end product as well as theprocess by which such end product has been reached.A number of problems and issues specific to working in Children's Theatre areexamined as they occur in different settings. These include problemsconcerning script, venue, the child audience and audience participation andproblems dealing specifically with the process of directing a cast of children.Possible solutions to these problems are investigated.An approach, based on the theories of practitioners in the field, as well as theresults of a number of practical projects, will be formulated. The practicalprojects will be used to investigate certain viewpoints expressed by practitionersin the field. The approach formulated should not only encourage work of a highartistic standard but should also be based on sound educational principles.Central to this is the approach and style of the director who, in Children'sTheatre, is far more than just a director of a theatrical presentation. The directorin Children's Theatre is always teacher and director at once.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University