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A PERSONAL EXPLORATION INTO THE ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A THEATRE TEACHING ARTIST

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Date Issued:
2010
Abstract/Description:
As an artist in the field of theatre for young audiences, I encounter many definitions of ÂÂ'teaching artist,ÂÂ' and within each definition lies a new set of physical, educational, and psychological responsibilities. While the term ÂÂ'teaching artistÂÂ' continues to evolve and grow, I am interested in exploring a common struggle among teaching artists: What does it mean to be an ethical and responsible teaching artist? This thesis allows me to create a personal definition of ÂÂ'teaching artistÂÂ' while exploring the relationship between responsibility, ethics, and community-based teaching. I begin by formulating my current understanding and beliefs about what it means to be a responsible teaching artist. I research how others in the TYA field, specifically Michael Rohd, Stephani Etheridge Woodson and Barbara McKean have dealt with issues of ethics and responsibility through four specific questions: How does my personal culture, race, gender, sexual orientation, and beliefs positively or negatively affect the work I do with young people? How does a teaching artist manage an environment in which there are inherently therapeutic qualities, without stepping into the role of therapist, and maintain a healthy relationship with the young people and the work? How do teaching artists maneuver through a structure where the ideologies of the teacher are guiding the project on a macro level but not a micro level? Is it possible or necessary to share responsibility with young people? As a reflective artist I canÂÂ't help but question, challenge, and rethink choices I make in facilitation. I would venture to say it would be irresponsible not to do so. I am hopeful this exploration will not only improve my personal teaching but also allow and inspire others to take a look at their practice in terms of ethics and responsibility.
Title: A PERSONAL EXPLORATION INTO THE ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A THEATRE TEACHING ARTIST.
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Name(s): Dunn , Amie, Author
Weaver , Earl, Committee Chair
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2010
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: As an artist in the field of theatre for young audiences, I encounter many definitions of ÂÂ'teaching artist,ÂÂ' and within each definition lies a new set of physical, educational, and psychological responsibilities. While the term ÂÂ'teaching artistÂÂ' continues to evolve and grow, I am interested in exploring a common struggle among teaching artists: What does it mean to be an ethical and responsible teaching artist? This thesis allows me to create a personal definition of ÂÂ'teaching artistÂÂ' while exploring the relationship between responsibility, ethics, and community-based teaching. I begin by formulating my current understanding and beliefs about what it means to be a responsible teaching artist. I research how others in the TYA field, specifically Michael Rohd, Stephani Etheridge Woodson and Barbara McKean have dealt with issues of ethics and responsibility through four specific questions: How does my personal culture, race, gender, sexual orientation, and beliefs positively or negatively affect the work I do with young people? How does a teaching artist manage an environment in which there are inherently therapeutic qualities, without stepping into the role of therapist, and maintain a healthy relationship with the young people and the work? How do teaching artists maneuver through a structure where the ideologies of the teacher are guiding the project on a macro level but not a micro level? Is it possible or necessary to share responsibility with young people? As a reflective artist I canÂÂ't help but question, challenge, and rethink choices I make in facilitation. I would venture to say it would be irresponsible not to do so. I am hopeful this exploration will not only improve my personal teaching but also allow and inspire others to take a look at their practice in terms of ethics and responsibility.
Identifier: CFE0003012 (IID), ucf:48339 (fedora)
Note(s): 2010-05-01
M.F.A.
Arts and Humanities, Department of Theatre
Masters
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): teaching artist
ethics
responsibility
Theatre for Young Audiences
Theatre Education
Theatre for Youth
Drama
Reflection
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003012
Restrictions on Access: public
Host Institution: UCF

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