First Advisor

Schuttler, Mary J.

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Document Type

Thesis

Date Created

12-1-2014

Department

College of Performing and Visual Arts, Theatre Arts and Dance, Theatre Arts and Dance Student Work

Abstract

Since the late 1960s many things have changed. With the inception of the Internet, much of the world has gone viral––including newspapers. Children rarely find the same joy their parents found in a nostalgic printed Sunday morning comic strip. In addition, societal tragedies have increased with almost daily occurrences highlighted on the news. With an influx of recent tragedies too close to home, this thesis examines arts advocacy facts, anti-bulling campaigns, and the themes of friendship, compassion, and overcoming obstacles within a production of Clark M. Gesner’s musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown [Revised]. Charles M. Schulz’s classic characters were brought to life by middle school thespians to inspire hope and heal a heartbroken community. As aresult, students and audiences alike experienced a form of drama therapy throughout process and product, which was obvious through anonymous cast and crew journal entries and audience feedback. This thesis proves that happiness is contagious and theatre can heal.

Abstract Format

html

Keywords

Musical theater; Drama--Therapeutic use; Dramaturgy

Extent

191 pages

Local Identifiers

MillerThesis2014

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by author.

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