TCG Releases Special Report on Arts Education

Workshops and classes in schools are the most common form of arts education programming, with nearly half of all programming targeting ages 12-18. These findings reflect the over 100 theatres that participated in the TCG Education Survey 2012 for the Special Report on Education 2012: Arts Education at the Core. Released by Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the report also compiles essays from leading theatre education directors on the impact of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) on arts education as well as CCSS resources from the past year. Since 1999, TCG's education reporting has provided theatre professionals with the latest research, statistics and evolving methodologies in arts education.

"The Special Report on Education 2012: Arts Education at the Core demonstrates the adaptability and resilience of theatres in the face of shifting educational standards," said Teresa Eyring, executive director of TCG. "Additionally, the TCG Education Survey 2012 results help theatres and arts education professionals compare their programming, expenses and funding to field benchmarks to better serve their communities."

Along with the TCG Education Survey 2012 results, the Special Report on Education 2012: Arts Education at the Core includes essays from theatre education leaders on the impact of the Common Core State Standards. Featured essayists include: Juliet Hart, director of education, TimeLine Theatre Company; Leslie K. Johnson, director of education and community partnerships, Center Theatre Group; Chris Moses, director of educational programs, ALLIANCE THEATRE; Nancy Schaeffer, education director, Dallas Children's Theater; and Anne Kelly Tromsness, education director, The Warehouse Theatre. To download the report, visit https://www.tcg.org/tools/education/.

The TCG Education Survey 2012 includes reporting by 101 TCG Member Theatres about their education programming, including answers to questions regarding demographics, staffing, expenses and income. The report conveys actual and projected activity for theatres' fiscal year ending anytime in 2012. Some highlights from the research include:

• 92% of respondents reported offering in-school workshops and classes, the most common form of reported theatre education programming.
• 65% reported offering access programs for economically disadvantaged students.
• 55% reported offering professional development in arts education for classroom teachers.
• 32% reported offering programs specifically to develop and strengthen literacy.
• 12-18 was the most widely-served age demographic, with theatres reporting an average of 46% of education programming dedicated to serving this population.
• Ages 5-11 was the second most widely served, with theatres dedicating an average of 29% of education programming targeting this age demographic.

The Special Report on Education 2012: Arts Education at the Core was prepared by TCG's Laurie Baskin, director of research, policy & collective action; and Alissa A. Moore, education, research & collective action associate.