The MFA Squeeze: Maintaining Excellence in a Changing Landscape
The pandemic forced educators to reimagine theatre training, and while inflation and dwindling enrollment are adding pressure, some programs are using this moment to innovate.
Stories by Allison Considine
Allison Considine is the senior editor of American Theatre. She studied literature and cultural studies and theatre arts at Pace University. Follow her on instagram @allyooper and read more of her work at allisonconsidine.com
6 Theatre Workers You Should Know
From an animatronics professor in North Carolina to a music director in Massachusetts, this installment features six theatre workers shaping arts education.
Can-Do Spirit and Life Skills: Carnegie Mellon Visits a Houston Magnet School
The drama program at Houston’s Carver School, led by Roshunda Jones-Koumba, recently enjoyed an inspiring, forward-looking master class with CMU faculty.
Ed Herendeen at CATF: ‘Not a One-Person Operation’
The founder of Contemporary American Theater Festival looks back on 31 years of producing new plays in rep.
Student Plays Say #ENOUGH to Gun Violence
Nationwide readings on the scourge of guns brought pandemic-isolated theatre folks together for a common cause—and the momentum may continue.
Learning As I Go
As I say goodbye to my editorial home, I’d like to share some of the lessons I learned over the past (almost) 6 years.
‘Giving Voice’ Does Just That for Its Student Competitors
A new Netflix documentary follows six contenders in the annual August Wilson Monologue Competition.
Years of Preparation for a Few Minutes in the Room
Among the most important things students can learn at theatre training programs: how to audition, and what they’ll be auditioning for.
Cook a Pastry, Take In a Play: The Virtual Home of ‘In the Kitchen’
How a mail-order box with an Arab-Jewish recipe and an audio play about mothers, daughters, and home helped save my Thanksgiving.
Looking for Santa’s Workshop? Try Your Local Theatre
Sans holiday stage offerings, theatres are raising funds and spirits with artists’ marketplaces this holiday season.
