Aside from the multiple ads, the site offers easy to read overviews and many links. A good way for students to assess their own interest in certain eras.One miscellaneous topic they cover is "Plays about Cinderalla". It lists in chronological order and offers a brief description of over two dozen instances of dramatizations based on the fairy tale; beginning with a pantomime in 1804. There are links for each topic. The site would be a great source for webquests.
Another great feature of the site is the "Today in Theatre History" on the homepage. It usually covers a biographical fact, a production opening/closing date, and a non-musical related archive. the home page also has a featured topic (such as Holocaust Theatre) and a link to an article archive.
You can also find a library of full plays online; some well-known (O'Neil, Moliere) some obscure; as well as a collection of monologues and short plays.
Another great feature of the site is the "Today in Theatre History" on the homepage. It usually covers a biographical fact, a production opening/closing date, and a non-musical related archive. the home page also has a featured topic (such as Holocaust Theatre) and a link to an article archive.
You can also find a library of full plays online; some well-known (O'Neil, Moliere) some obscure; as well as a collection of monologues and short plays.
All things American Musical Theatre. Author and NYU professor John Kenrick has created an extensive site that covers history, anecdotes, archival photos, reviews, and links to his blog, performance rights, NY restaurants, etc. Mr. Kenrick is an adjunct professor at NYU and author of several books on the topic. This site would be especially beneficial in writing a review of a musical; a requirement of my classes (and the focus of my inquiry project.)
It's one drawback is the rather simple graphics (or complete lack thereof). It can be hard to navigate a home page with over two dozen links all listed in the same font and color; even if they are organized in some form. The site index does offer a one page "capsule history" that could serve as a starting point for a student research project. It would give them enough information to help determine where they would like to start and the links included could take them there. The suggested reading list would lead students to more sources; although I have find that very few public or high school libraries have the books in stock. It's a great way for me to add to my trade book collection in the classroom though!
It's one drawback is the rather simple graphics (or complete lack thereof). It can be hard to navigate a home page with over two dozen links all listed in the same font and color; even if they are organized in some form. The site index does offer a one page "capsule history" that could serve as a starting point for a student research project. It would give them enough information to help determine where they would like to start and the links included could take them there. The suggested reading list would lead students to more sources; although I have find that very few public or high school libraries have the books in stock. It's a great way for me to add to my trade book collection in the classroom though!
Kelly, it sounds like Mr. Kendrick's site is the consumate, go-to resource for American (especially those performed in NYC) plays. This would be a great site for the kids to checkout before you do the New york trip. They could even scope out what shows would be available and appropriate to see.
ReplyDeleteThis is a helpful website from PBS for students to find out more about musicals they may not have heard of before: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/broadway/hello/index.html
ReplyDeleteThey also have links to websites that are very informational about theater history and popular Broadway musicals that you can use in future posts; both of the websites you've written about are actually on the list. :)