While researching the lives of well-known artists for a new unit in an art survey course, the instructor developed the idea of dressing in costume and presenting their lives in the first person. The primary goal of each lecture is to provide memorable information about the artist; a secondary goal is to integrate the social and political climate of the era. The enactments take the first part of the class period; the remainder is used to present examples of the artist's work and to distribute an outline of the lecture content. Evaluations suggest that the unusual presentations have significantly improved student retention. While this strategy is particularly useful in an art class, it is obvious that it also would be effective in other fields of study. The costume seems to be a key; this adds flavor to the lecture even if the instructor does not wish to present first-person characterizations. Props, sound effects, music, lights, and makeup would also add to the characterizations. Not only do these one-person mini-dramas give the students and instructor a break from traditional lecture techniques, they give students an unforgettable acquaintance with the abstract personalities in their reading material. (DC)