Melissa Peterson Melissa Peterson Artist's Statement Children have long been recognized as leaders of the future. Educating children to become responsible and well-rounded members of society takes more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic. It takes education in real life. Educating children in theatre, as one of the art forms, serves several purposes.
Theatre helps students focus mentally, emotionally, physically, socially and academically.
At the same time, it allows students to explore a multitude of topics and concerns within a safe environment. As a 1997 graduate of both theatre and elementary education, I have both the knowledge of theatre and understanding of children to do this. I have worked to help develop theatrical skills in students whose ages range from elementary to college. Eventually I hope to fully integrate theatre into an existing elementary curriculum.