Directors of plays can make rehearsals interpretively productive, but they must first reject directorial approaches such as beginning rehearsals without analyzing the script, projecting images of the play as it is read, and using the script merely to summarize meanings, static themes, morals, and nothing more. Making rehearsals interpretively…

This curriculum guide describes an advanced course for speech classes in the oral interpretation of literature. It is meant to follow the first course, which introduced the subject and gave some fundamentals and practice in oral reading. The student is expected to meet the following objectives in the course: (1) demonstrate ability in using his…

The interrelationship of performers, text, and audience in reader's theater may be better understood through philosopher Martin Buber's key concepts of polarity, dialogue, and inclusion. These concepts operate within four polar tensions identified by Buber: that between the performer and the character represented; that between the performer and…

Defines metaphorical staging as group interpretation that gives a ritual or symbolic stage form to literature and illustrates this concept by describing the staging of D. H. Lawrence's story "The Horse Dealer's Daughter". (MH)

Provides specific behavioral objectives focusing on a dramatic analysis of the literature which allows the oral interpreter enough flexibility for a range of performances based on a text. (MH)

Notes that instruction in the dramatic arts can encourage lasting aesthetic awareness and improved communicative abilities, and presents descriptions of four articles about youth drama from the ERIC database. (JC)

Describes Friendly Street, an Australian self-help community of writers existing outside schools that offers writers a chance to read or publish their written works. (HOD)

A study determined whether or not current forensic judges provide critiques that meet F.P. Trimble's guidelines for improving interpretation ballots. From a randomly selected sample of 150 ballots, 79 ballots were critiques of interpretation events. Each ballot was analyzed as a unit. Results indicated that (1) few forensic judges divulge their…

In this lesson, grade 6-8 students analyze a variety of poets and their poetry by reading and listening to their work. Students then use information gathered from Internet resources to select a favorite poet and perform one of their poems for the class. During the four 30-minute and five 20-minute sessions, students will: analyze a variety of…

This teaching guide packet is designed to accompany a 3-part television series, "Poetry Heaven," which captures many of the brightest and most memorable moments of the 1996 Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival. The series presented in the packet features 18 poets whose personalities, voices, and points of view reflect the power and…

Article reports findings of a survey of American colleges and universities. (Editor/MB)

Looks at the performance of children's literature by college students with respect to the value of reading to young children, selecting and performing the literature, purposes of a unit or course in the oral interpretation of this genre of literature, and some practical performance considerations. (PD)

Advocates a course in interpretive reading for students interested in careers in management to help them manage people. Encourages more imagination, vision, skill, and art. (PD)

Demonstrates how oral interpretation scholars can enrich their understanding of the empathic process. Analyzes several concepts of empathy in social cognition research and relates them to various processes interpreters have identified as empathic. Discusses pedagogical implications. (PD)

The author presents a rationale for using the oral interpretation approach to literature. (SJL)