ABOUT THIS BOOK

Technical Theatre Education: A Vehicle for Critical Learning explores how the environment and process of producing theatrical or live entertainment events foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As a learning setting, the problem-based and experiential nature of designing and creating the sets, lighting, and costumes that support a production gives students ample opportunities to test theories, evaluate their growth, and experience the real-world consequences of success or failure.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Edward S. Kraus, associate professor of theatre and director of scenic production at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, is a Project Management Institute–certified project manager and an authorized Occupational Safety and Health Administration outreach instructor. His articles have appeared in TD&T.

REVIEWS

“In Technical Theatre Education, Edward Kraus explores how teaching technical theatre, with a focus on scenic technology and technical direction, develops critical thinking, problem solving and other life-long learning skills. Kraus argues that arts-based education, especially theatre programs, strengthen collaborative skills, encourage experimental learning models, and teach students to analyze and defend their ideas.”—Anne Medlock-Ely, Associate Dean of Design and Production, University of North Carolina School of the Arts

“I thoroughly enjoyed this fresh take on technical theatre and how critical it can be to help future students. It is a thoughtful examination of how the skills learned in, on, and around creative process can elevate future careers. It also clearly demonstrates the adaptability and agility of technical theatre artists and how they create within the artform.” —Thomas Haughey, author Creating Sturdy, Stone Scenery by Sculpting Steel Reinforced Concrete

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Illustrations

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Chapter One: Introduction

Chapter Two: Why Technical Theatre?

Chapter Three: Critical Thinking or The Art of Skeptical Pragmatism

Chapter Four: Ways to Support Critical Thinking

Chapter Five: Theatrical Problem-Solving as It Relates to Critical Thinking

Chapter Six: Skill Acquisition

Chapter Seven: Putting It All Together

Chapter Eight: Final Thoughts

References