MasterClass in Drama Education weaves history, practice and research in drama education in a comprehensive, reader friendly and sophisticated manner. Anderson brings breadth as well as depth to drama research and practice, creating a timely book that speaks to scholars and educators. A must-read for all involved in drama/theatre education. * George Belliveau, Associate Professor of Theatre Education, University of British Columbia, Canada *
This volume will provide an invaluable guide and overview to those new to, and experienced in, the practice of drama teaching, and particularly those beginning research in the area. Anderson successfully manages to weave a narrative that is always engaging and accessible, and he skilfully contextualises both the positioning and key issues of drama education. He directly addresses some of the important challenges facing the community, and seamlessly mainstreams some of the heretofore somewhat peripheral discussions around aesthetics, drama knowledge, creativity and technology. In identifying five guiding principles for the future of drama education at the outset, Anderson puts his own stamp on this work and makes clear his views for the future of drama education. However, he doesn't burden the reader with solely his own philosophy and is generous in acknowledging the contribution of others as well as the lacunae in our collective knowledge and wisdom. * Michael Finneran, Senior Lecturer in Drama, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, Ireland *
MasterClass in Drama Education provides an excellent insight into teaching drama in the twenty-first century. It considers the challenges and offers pragmatic solutions for educating the young people of today who face an unknown and unimaginable future. This text looks back over the history of drama education with a superb summary of the field to date, comprehensively covering the development of the field with references to practitioners and academics in Australia, America, Canada and the UK. In part two, Anderson discusses drama as a productive pedagogy for democratic learning in a long overdue reconsideration of both the aesthetics and power of drama in the classroom. This text is a significant addition to the literature of drama education both for experienced teachers and those new to the field. * Selina Busby, Course Leader, Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London, UK *
Anderson wears his teacher/learner credentials on his sleeve, often recounting his own student and teacher experiences. He communicates with an accessible written style, informed and engaging. -- Paul Bunyan, Chair, NATE Drama Committee * English Drama Media, NATE Journal *
