March 13, 2004
To Whom It May Concem:

It is my great pleasure to recommend to you the Living Theatre as a wonderful performance and instructional component for your students. The three-day workshop that they conducted on our campus provided an exciting and dynamic kick-off to our entire season and a unique experience for our students.

During my career as an academic administrator, I have dealt with a great many artists conducting similar programs. Generally speaking I have been pleased with the success of these events. I truly believe, however, that the Living Theatre’s work with our students went beyond pedagogy or performance technique. In these workshops, the students were challenged to the very core of what makes them artists. They leamed something about the world and they surely leamed something about theatre. Along the way, they came to realize how inextricable the two must be for an artist.

For me it was thrilling to see how far our students came in a few short days and to see them embracing the Living Theatre’s historic rehearsal and performance process. Members of the company performed right alongside the students and therefore enriched the experience by providing the opportunity for the students to work onstage with professionals. As an audience member, I distinctly recall literally sitting on the edge of my seat for the entire 40-minute performance. I would add that for programs, such as ours, that rely so heavily on more realistic dramatic styles to train young actors, exposure to the Living Theatre’s work provides an important expansion of awareness.

We feel strongly enough about the Living Theatre’s visit that we are inviting them back for the coming academic year and, in fiture, hope to bring them in for one of their extended residencies. As people they are a delight to work with. As artists they fling open doors and let in fresh air. I urge you to find time in your program’s calendar to schedule their appearance with your school or organization.

Sincerely,

Gene Terruso
Director, School of Theatre Arts
University of the Arts
Philadelphia, PA 19102

320 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.717.6000