Young People and Theater

To the Editor:

Tests show that American education policy is shortchanging the study of history (“U.S. History Is Still Troublesome for U.S. Students, Nationwide Tests Show,” news article, June 15). I believe that it also shortchanges the study of music, art, civics, science, foreign languages and more. I can report that the emphasis on math and reading has also virtually eliminated theater productions in many elementary and middle schools around the country.

Adults who remember the part they played in a school play, and the confidence and poise it gave them, should cherish the memory, because most of today’s students will never experience that joy. Over time, as our students grow up to become our teachers, they won’t have the theater background to even know what’s missing.

So, hang a lantern in the steeple and let the call go out: the end of our well-rounded society has begun.

LIZ PRESTON
Newton, Mass., June 16, 2011

The writer is the editor of Plays, the Drama Magazine for Young People.