The Benefits of Artist Training from theatre artist David Prather

I Have Seen the Light by David Prather

I have been a performer on the Music Center roster since 1986. I worked for the first decade with We Tell Stories, and then became an individual artist doing workshops, residencies and solo assembly performances, "Myths of the World" and "Poetry Jam". During this time I developed approaches to teaching and classroom management based on trial and error, an evolutionary process that relied more on my improvisational skills as an actor than any true comprehension of educational theory. Yet I was comfortable and felt I was achieving good results generally in residencies and other endeavors.

Thus I was somewhat reluctant when we were offered artist training, and resistant initially to the process. "Hey, if it ain't broke don't fix it" could characterize my feelings. Nevertheless, I signed on, realizing that the nature of Arts in Education was changing, and that artists were increasingly expected to be familiar with the VAPA standards for core curriculum, best practices for educators, and aligning our work with other goals of the schools.

I found that the techniques I learned in artist training were not mere jargon, but actual approaches I could utilize to become much more effective across the board. By giving me a framework both for planning a series of workshops and executing them, my ad hoc approach was greatly enhanced; I also felt that I could now evolve into a true artist/educator, and that my work was more accessible to the teachers, and supportive of their goals. A deeper appreciation of an assessment strategy also strengthened my hand in dealing with both teachers and students. Nor did I have to throw out the baby with the bathwater: the experience and knowledge I had acquired over the years could readily be adapted to the new constructs.

As a Dana fellow in the advanced group at the 2003 Summer Institute I experienced first hand the efficacy of this approach to teaching art content in theatre, dance, music and visual art. I found my experience as a "student" was enhanced by the four-wheel approach of various artists; the meaningful tasks were indeed more meaningful and more readily accomplished by being carefully led in a conscious way toward their execution. I experienced being freed and empowered in areas outside my kin like music and visual art, and realized the true power of the arts to liberate, and the true joy of creative expression, not as a professional, but as a human being.

The training has actually rejuvenated me, and given me renewed enthusiasm and confidence to continue my work. I have already begun to reap the benefits and witness the results.

Hallelujah!!

David Prather

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