RON RUSSELL is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of New York City’s Epic Theatre Ensemble. The threads of professional directing and producing, community activism, and education have run throughout Ron’s career and intertwine completely in the work of Epic. After graduating as a Neuroscience major (yes, seriously) from Oberlin College in 1992, Ron acted as Founding Artistic Director of the nationally acclaimed Summer Theatre Enrichment Program at El Centro de Servicios in Lorain, Ohio, an annual summer program that exists in a constituent-led capacity to this day. While receiving his MFA Read More…
Theatrical Imperative
This blog takes a Transcendentalist’s approach to the way non-commercial theatre is produced in America today, applying Ralph Waldo Emerson’s assertion that “the hand can never execute anything … [more]
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Ron Russell on In Defense of “Compulsory” Arts Education
Your (and his) points are quite true, I think - and it's exactly what keeps artists out of schools, this...barb on In Defense of “Compulsory” Arts Education
I admire your determination to change things from within the system. It's inevitable that, as a conscientious objector, my professional...Ron Russell on In Defense of “Compulsory” Arts Education
Very interesting points, and I appreciate your perspective. Unfortunately, from my perspective, I don't see a way to subvert...barb on In Defense of “Compulsory” Arts Education
To rewind a bit Ron - I am "one of those doubters" who trained to be a teacher during the...Ron Russell on In Defense of “Compulsory” Arts Education
The same sanctions that are imposed for those who fail to comply with forced Math, or forced Geography. It...barb on In Defense of “Compulsory” Arts Education
My question is "What sanctions do you intend to impose on young people who fail to comply with forced creativity?"Blake Wilson on In Defense of “Compulsory” Arts Education
Yes. Which is why, on balance, I tend to think that there is a place for compulsory arts programs...Ron Russell on In Defense of “Compulsory” Arts Education
Yeah, totally agreed - "choice" is contingent on knowing what is available and engages you - without early and consistent...Blake Wilson on In Defense of “Compulsory” Arts Education
Ultimately, this is why it's crucial to have consistent, great arts education in the early grades...so that students are accustomed...Blake Wilson on In Defense of “Compulsory” Arts Education
Thanks for posting this Ron....and a topic that I've wrestled with for some time. Having been a classroom...