Category: Investing in Arts Education

Building a Foundation for Innovation and Empathy Through Arts Education

From fostering creativity and critical thinking to enhancing emotional intelligence and cultural awareness, arts education plays a crucial role in shaping future leaders.

Martine Kei Green-Rogers, Ph.D.

Dean, The Theatre School at DePaul University

Artists want to be in conversation with other artists, artforms, and disciplines of study. An arts education is valuable because we need people who are interested in exploring, highlighting, and sharing our collective humanity. We need people to tell the history of our global societies and help us recognize how to make what may seem foreign to us more familiar.

A conservatory model encourages other artforms and disciplines to play together by establishing a place where artists can fail miserably, pick back up, and start again. Students not only learn the technical skills of their craft, but they also learn creative problem-solving, collaboration and communication, and discipline and adaptability. These are the skills needed for a person to be successful, no matter what they decide to do later in life.

100 years of arts education

At The Theatre School at DePaul University, modeling new paths for what one can do with conservatory training is our future. We are an amazing school with a rich heritage. This year, we celebrate 100 years of training theatre professionals, and this milestone has given us an opportunity to reflect on how our students have taken their training and gone on to do so many phenomenal things both inside and out of the theatre world. Our graduates use their arts training to make the world a better place and to provide opportunities for the next generation of artists.

At the heart of who we are as an educational institution, and as a value based collective of artists, we embody in our spaces everyday why the arts are necessary.

Rebecca Ryan, the director of admissions for The Theatre School, summarizes who we are succinctly: ”Nestled in the heart of Chicago, a city renowned for its vibrant and diverse theatre scene, The Theatre School at DePaul University offers a cutting-edge education with 15 highly specialized Bachelor of Fine Arts programs ranging from Acting and Comedy Arts to Projection Design and Theatre Management, a Master of Fine Arts program in Acting, and a new Certification for Intimacy Professionals in Theatre & Cinema.

“With over 30 productions each year, students engage in immersive, hands-on experiences. Faculty — all professional theatre artists active in the industry — bring their real-world expertise to the classroom, along with their professional network and connections. Students develop skills that prepare them to innovate and excel in the dynamic entertainment landscape.”

More than art for art’s sake

We help students find their path by providing numerous opportunities to delve into the real-world applications for their art that goes beyond “art for art’s sake” (not that this is a bad thing). For example, we devised a theatrical piece in May 2024 as a response to an exhibition by Selva Aparicio at the DePaul Art Museum to bring awareness to domestic violence, we are currently partnering with the College of Science and Health at our university to train emerging healthcare professionals, and provoking conversations about our contemporary society through the lens of historical events via our partnership with the american vicarious and TimeLine Theatre.

These kinds of collaborative projects expand the world of possibilities for our students and the ability to experiment allows for someone to have the fortitude to carve their own paths and create their own opportunities.

While resilience, emotional intelligence, and critical-thinking skills might not be in the course catalog per se, these transferable skills not only prepare students for a wide range of careers, but an education in the arts also deeply connects students to our shared humanity. The world needs more innovators who lead with empathy.

Click here to learn more about The Theatre School at DePaul University

Author bio

Martine Kei Green-Rogers is the dean at The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. She earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Theatre and Drama at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She received her bachelor’s in theatre from Virginia Wesleyan College and her master’s in theatre history and criticism from The Catholic University of America. A director and writer, Martine has a long history in the theatre. She has held several positions in dramaturgy, literary management, writing, directing and creative storytelling in the professional theatre and entertainment industries. Her portfolio includes positions at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the Court Theatre in Chicago. Martine previously served as interim dean of the Division of Liberal Arts at the University of North Carolina School for the Arts. She also is the immediate past president of the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas and the current President-Elect of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE).

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March 30, 2025
Joshua Bell on the World-Changing Power of Early Music Education

Acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell discusses the power of music in children’s lives and how it can contribute to a better world for all.

Can you share a memory from your early years that highlights the impact of arts education in your life?

I grew up in a family where music was a central part of our lives. Everyone in my family played music, and there was a strong belief in providing music lessons to children. Before I even started playing the violin, my mother enrolled me in a very early class for two- and three-year-olds. In that class, we would simply beat out rhythms and engage with music in a very basic way, even at such a young age. I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by music, and I began taking private violin lessons when I was around four years old. I consider myself one of the lucky ones, as my parents deeply valued the arts and arts education. However, not everyone is as fortunate. For many people, if they don’t have parents who prioritize music or if music isn’t offered in their schools, they may never be exposed to the arts at all. I find that incredibly sad, as arts education can have such a profound impact on a child’s development and life.

How did having access to music education influence your career as a world-renowned violinist?

Well, I think it’s hard to pinpoint exactly, but clearly, I wouldn’t be a violinist today if I didn’t have an early music education. It’s just a fact — this doesn’t come out of nowhere. My parents gave me lessons and exposed me to the right teachers, which made all the difference. I’m fortunate because I had more arts education than most people will ever have, and I realize how lucky I am in that respect. However, what I’m passionate about is expanding arts education to a broader audience.

I believe arts education should be accessible to everyone, not just a select few. The appeal of arts education for the general public is very important to me because I’ve seen firsthand what it can do. I’ve been involved in several programs that bring arts education into schools, particularly one called Education Through Music. This organization sets up music programs in inner-city schools that have no arts education whatsoever. I’ve visited these schools and witnessed the profound impact music education has on students, especially those from challenging backgrounds and environments. The difference between schools with no music education and those that’ve integrated music programs is astounding. I visited one school, for example, where they provided every child with a violin, and the effect was incredible. Attendance rates soared — nearly 100% — because the kids were excited to play music and engage in the program.

Music became an outlet for their creativity, which is crucial for children. It also teaches cooperation as they play together and helps them develop skills in areas like language and mathematics. Music engages multiple brain functions and fosters the development of skills across the board. I truly believe schools should prioritize music education. In fact, I think music should be the foundation of education — perhaps the most important part. The discipline learned from mastering an instrument extends to every other aspect of life. The focus, patience, and work ethic required in learning music are invaluable, and these skills can be applied to any endeavor. Lastly, I think it’s especially crucial now in our increasingly digital and AI-driven world. Everything is moving towards computers and technology, and I think music offers something essential that technology can’t — human connection. Music is deeply human, and it helps remind us of what’s truly important. That’s why I believe it’s vital that children have access to music education.

Why do you believe arts education is essential for young people in today’s world?

I believe the skills you learn through music, such as discipline, are incredibly valuable. Music, especially when played with others, teaches you how to listen. Listening is such an important skill, not only for music but for everything you do in life. It’s not just about playing your part; it’s about being attuned to others and working together. Music is one of those things that, like all forms of art, is essential. Visual arts, painting, and other creative outlets are equally important. From a very young age, children naturally gravitate toward art, whether it’s music or visual arts. Kids are inherently creative, and I think our school systems, in many ways, tend to suppress that creativity. Instead of fostering it, they often teach kids how not to be creative anymore. But creativity is crucial — it’s important in everything we do. Music provides a wonderful outlet for creativity, allowing children to express themselves in ways that other subjects may not. That’s why I think music education is so important.

How do you think exposure to music and other arts can benefit children both in and outside of the classroom?

I believe that music education benefits children in many, many ways. It helps improve their attention span and teaches them important life skills. For some, it might lead to a career in music, which I can’t think of a better vocation for. However, for most, it will simply make their lives more well-rounded.

The lessons learned through music and art may not always be immediately obvious, but they have a ripple effect that influences many aspects of life, often in ways the child won’t even realize at the time. I also believe that a love for the arts, especially music, has a deep connection to empathy and understanding. It’s hard to imagine someone who truly appreciates art and music wanting to go to war or harm another person. The mindset that music and art promote is fundamentally at odds with violence. These forms of expression remind us of what it means to be human, and they foster empathy, which is something we desperately need in the world today.

What do you say to those who argue that arts education should take a backseat to STEM subjects?

I believe that music and art, alongside STEM courses, are all incredibly important. A well-rounded education is essential, and I think it’s crucial to have a balance between the two. Both areas contribute to developing different skills and perspectives, making a complete and comprehensive education.

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March 12, 2025
How to Turn Creativity into a Healing Career in Art Therapy

Investing in Arts Education

Pursuing a career in art therapy can help turn your creative and artistic abilities into a mental health profession, allowing you to support others, especially at a time when Americans are facing unprecedented mental health crises.

Every day, art therapists support their clients within a therapeutic relationship to use art and creativity to improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. They work with people of all ages and backgrounds — from children experiencing developmental delays or emotional and behavioral challenges to military service members with PTSD to older adults struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

“At the heart of my work as an art therapist is the creativity and self-expression found in art-making. We’ve all experienced it as children, and some of us have the joy to work with art to help people and communities heal. I’m always inspired by clients who may be afraid of using art materials as non-verbal language at first, but try it anyway,” explains art therapist Christianne E. Strang, Ph.D., ATR-BC.

Particularly when people are struggling, facing a challenge, or even a health crisis, their own words or language may fail them. During these times, an art therapist can help clients express themselves in ways beyond words or language. Art therapists are trained in art and psychological theory and can help clients integrate nonverbal cues and metaphors that are often expressed through the creative process.

According to research, art therapy helps people feel more in control of their own lives and helps relieve anxiety and depression, including among cancer patients, tuberculosis patients in isolation, and military veterans with PTSD.

According to art therapist Kathryn Snyder, Ph.D., ATR-BC, LPC, “Engaging in art therapy offers imagery and creative processes that support communication, expression, and insight into, as well as release of, difficult emotional experiences.”

Opportunities for art therapists

Art therapists serve diverse communities in different settings, such as medical institutions like hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and psychiatric facilities; outpatient offices and community centers; and schools. Many art therapists have independent practices. They also help support individuals and communities after a crisis or traumatic event, like a mass shooting or a natural disaster.

Training in a broad range of psychological theories and ways to use art media and creative processes is necessary to becoming an art therapist who is able to help people process and cope with mental health challenges. Art therapists hold postgraduate degrees and are then credentialed by the Art Therapy Credentials Board as ATR (art therapist registered) or ATR–BC (board-certified art therapist registered).

Learn more about art therapy and how to become an art therapist through the American Art Therapy Association.

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March 12, 2025
How Tony Danza Is Helping Shape the Stars of Tomorrow

Investing in Arts Education

Tony Danza | Photo by John Russo

Actor Tony Danza discusses how he helps shape the stars — and generally good people — of tomorrow through his youth program.

Before becoming an entertainer, you were a teacher. How did that experience influence your perspective on the role of arts in education?

Teaching has influenced my thinking about kids and what they need. As a society, I think we have abdicated some responsibility for nurturing our children, and we have work to do. It’s been wonderful to be a part of The Stars of Tomorrow Project, which focuses on youth development through performance and allows them to discover the world and the tools to navigate it. It uses the art of acting to help students develop while mentoring and nurturing them in safe spaces. We provide young people places to express themselves while developing into productive world citizens and tomorrow’s leaders.

What kinds of skills does arts education help young people build, beyond just the ability to perform?

We have a slogan at the program, and we try to live by it: “When you teach a kid how to act, you teach a kid how to act!” If you think about it, most of the media — music, TV, movies, websites, and apps — that young people consume are often concerned with the self. Acting makes you be part of something bigger than yourself. It teaches you to be present, to look people in the eye, to speak clearly — all things you need to be successful in life. The program is a life program.

We make good actors. We have one from the program on Broadway right now; his name is Daniel Hernandez. I am so proud. But we also try to make good people.

Many students face self-doubt when pursuing a career in the arts. What advice do you have for those who are passionate but hesitant?

I have something that helps me, and it’s what I tell young actors: You have to truly believe that no one can do what you can do. You can’t do what Timothée Chalamet can do, but he can’t do what you can do. You have to really believe it and then not get in your own way.

How has your own teaching background influenced the way you advocate for arts education?

I have been performing now for 50 years, and before that, I used to put myself on the line in the boxing ring. My only regret is that I didn’t start in the arts when I was younger. It has transformative powers. We’ll have a kid come to the class, and all it takes is a short time before he or she is saying, “I have to support my ensemble!” The Stars of Tomorrow Project works!

Lastly, we are all thinking of you, LA!

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March 12, 2025
Top Challenges Inside the Classroom for Drama Teachers

Investing in Arts Education

Often a department of one, drama teachers must work proactively to find support networks and community resources that enable them to provide the best education possible.

In late spring, 2006, I was faced with a quandary: How do you teach drama? I had just been assigned my first drama classes at North Hollywood High School, where I’d been teaching for two years, and although I had many thoughts about shows I might direct that would be a good fit for our student population, I had no idea what to include in day-to-day classroom curriculum.

This conundrum was unfortunately not new to me. I had just earned my teacher certification in the state of California as an English teacher through LAUSD’s District Intern Program. Never mind that I had never taken an English class in college — I passed the state exam for English language arts and that was sufficient for entry to the program. As a result, I leaned heavily on the expertise of teachers in the English department at North Hollywood for guidance on what to teach. I asked those colleagues what they were teaching to get insight into what materials and activities were successful with our students. However, when it came to drama, I’d be on my own. Although elements of drama pedagogy were incorporated into various graduate courses I’d taken while a student in NYU Steinhardt’s Program in Educational Theatre, I lacked a scaffolded approach to learning how to create a curriculum and no set community of drama teachers to turn to for support.

Just as I had experienced in the English department at North Hollywood, most teachers have the luxury of working with colleagues who teach the same content. Consider the math department, the social studies department, or the science department. But how many schools have a drama department? Some lucky few might find themselves within an arts department, but how similar are visual art teaching, music teaching, dance teaching, and drama teaching? Consequently, it is incumbent upon drama teachers to get out of the isolation of being a department-of-one and find a support network of trusted peers to whom they can turn when faced with the all-too-common question: “What now?”

Community support for drama and theater teachers

Professional organizations like the American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE) and the Educational Theatre Association (EDTA) host annual conferences that provide theater educators with needed professional development and networking which are necessary resources for supporting classroom teachers. However, membership in these organizations is not free, and registration and travel to attend these annual conferences requires investment from school and district leadership to support teachers in their professional development.

The support drama teachers get from these organizations is essential at this political moment. In the press, a lot of attention is given to book banning across the country, but less so to censorship and restrictions in the arts. For the last five years, Qui Nguyen’s play “She Kills Monsters” regularly appears in EDTA’s annual survey of the top ten plays performed in schools, and yet the work has been met with calls for censorship and cancellation due to the play’s content. Other popular plays have faced a similar fate — be it Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” Moisés Kaufman and members of Tectonic Theatre Project’s “The Laramie Project,” Bert V. Royal’s “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead,” or even works by William Shakespeare.

Through partnership with organizations like AATE and EDTA, teachers learn about initiatives to actively oppose efforts to restrict the arts, such as the No Book Bans Coalition, which advocates against theater bans; Dramatists Guild Legal Defense Fund, which has published “Dramatic Changes: A Toolkit for Producing Stage Works on College Campuses in Turbulent Times,” and provide legal support for producing scripted plays; and the National Coalition Against Censorship, who have published “The Show Must Go On: A Toolkit for Organizing Against Theatre Censorship in Public Schools.”

Through participation in national organizations like AATE and EDTA, drama teachers are able to develop support networks across the country. In community and solidarity, drama teachers are able to develop skills to meet the needs of an ever-diversifying student population, improve classroom instruction, promote deeper arts learning, and respond to classroom and community challenges in turbulent times.

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March 12, 2025
Career Opportunities for Theater Students

Investing in Arts Education

With unemployment rates hovering around 90%, acting and theater are not the most profitable careers. Luckily, there are many diverse opportunities for theater students.

What do you do with a BA or BFA in theater? The Educational Theatre Association has documented some 26,000 theater programs in elementary and secondary schools across the United States and reports that roughly 11,000 students per year go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in theater. Yet, research published in “Nature Communications” shows that unemployment in the field of acting hovers around 90%, and as few as only 2% of actors in film and television can make a living from acting. While the number of actors looking for work in theater is smaller, the success rate is not much better. As such, it is not surprising that parents often try to steer young people away from studying theater in college or university, pushing them to choose a field that is more promising or practical. Here’s the good news: Acting isn’t the only way for theater majors to work in theater!

Aspiring thespians are aware of the many roles that occur backstage: directors, stage managers, playwrights, and designers, to name a few. Students who intern at theaters and for theater companies will become acquainted with front-of-house staff, box office, marketing and publicity, stagehands, and running crew. With more than 6,000 community theaters across the country, there are plenty of opportunities for theater people to work in theater after college graduation besides acting. But what other possibilities should young people consider?

Theater education jobs

Theater edu cation positions include highly visible theater teachers who are often the gateway for young people into theater. Most states across the country require teacher licensure for theater teachers, so an educational theater undergraduate program is one option to consider. Even if full-time classroom teaching isn’t your goal, graduates from these programs work as teaching artists and administrators for after-school programs and theater camps. Teaching artists also work with community groups geared toward the young and old, amateur and professional. They work for theater companies and other community organizations in educational roles — from Broadway to libraries, museums, and recreation centers all across the country.

That said, it is crucial for young people to be honest about their aspirations. Oprah Winfrey once said that a speech coach advised her, “My dear, you don’t want to act, because if you wanted to act, you would be doing it. What you want to be, my dear, is a star. Because if you wanted to act, you’d be waiting tables in New York.” For those 11,000 college graduates from theater programs this year: You can act. You might not earn a living as an actor, but you can act. If you want to claw your way to the top to become a star on the stage or screen, know that you are on a different path than just acting.

However, a life in the theater can manifest in many different spaces, so aspiring thespians should look at the full complement of undergraduate programs in theater, including educational theater, applied or community-engaged theater, and performing arts administration. A fulfilling and financially viable life of creativity with like-minded artists is out there waiting for you.

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March 12, 2025
Advocate for Investments in Arts Education for All Students
Investing in Arts Education
Arts engagement empowers youth by providing a vital outlet to express their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and passions, while also building their self-confidence, creativity, critical-thinking, and communication skills. This participation directly supports a student’s emotional well-being and academic success.

Yvonne Johnson

President, National PTA

Research shows that students who participate in the arts have higher GPAs, higher standardized test scores, and lower dropout rates. Yet, there are great disparities in the access to quality arts education for many students across the country. It is critical that we advocate for investments in arts education so all students can benefit from participating in the arts.

Here’s how you can help make arts more accessible to youth:
- Ask your child’s school about current arts programs and funding. Talk to other parents about the barriers they face.
- Email or call district leaders about expanding arts access.
- Attend meetings with decision-makers and voice support for arts funding.
- Meet with school administrators to discuss arts opportunities.
- Share arts success stories on social media and with your local news media.
Remember: Your voice matters. Even small actions like attending one meeting or sending an email can help build momentum for better arts access.

If you aren’t already a member of PTA, join us! Our association has long advocated for access to arts education and our popular Reflections program encourages students to explore their talents and express their ideas by creating works of art for fun and recognition.

Together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts. Your voice and actions will help unlock creativity for generations to come.
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March 12, 2025
Why Arts Education Is Essential for Students’ Success

Investing in Arts Education

As events at the federal level unfold in ways that will most certainly intensify the debate on public education, it is important to remember that Americans overwhelmingly support arts education.

In a recent survey conducted by Americans for the Arts, 90% of respondents proclaimed the importance of arts education, and 83% supported government funding for arts education programs. Americans know its importance because research consistently shows that a quality arts education is essential for a student’s overall learning experience. Students with access to arts education and arts-integrated classes demonstrate long-term retention of information and increased proficiency in reading, writing, and math. Beyond academics, arts education also positively impacts students’ mental health and emotional well-being. Engaging in the arts helps prevent depression and nurtures empathy and compassion for others.

The value of arts education

While research and anecdotal evidence clearly illustrate the value of arts education, teachers, parents, school leaders, and other stakeholders regularly face challenges related to funding, scheduling, and competing legislative priorities. Low-income students, students with disabilities, students of color, and other underrepresented groups have less access to quality arts education. Yet, these students stand to benefit the most from it and arts-integrated learning. There is strong agreement about the importance of arts education, and more than half of American adults believe students don’t have enough opportunities to take arts classes.

In addition to its academic benefits and vital role in supporting mental and emotional well-being, arts education also prepares students for the workforce by cultivating originality and creativity. Employers value strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork — abilities developed in art classrooms, theater rehearsals, and band or orchestra performances. Furthermore, 61% of employed American workers say the arts boost their creativity, which makes them more successful at work.

Unlocking even more benefits

The emerging field of neuroarts provides even stronger evidence for the importance of arts education. Neuroarts is the transdisciplinary study of how the arts and aesthetic experiences measurably impact the body, the brain, and behavior, and how this knowledge can be applied to support health and well-being. Researchers Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross have been pioneers in this field, finding that artistic experiences stimulate neurons and brain pathways unlike anything else. Their research shows that art can be integrated with medicine to improve mobility, relieve pain and trauma, enhance learning outcomes, prevent disease, and build resilience. For children in particular, participating in the arts supports brain and language development, emotional regulation, self-expression, and overall learning ability.

With so many profound benefits, the case for quality arts education is well-founded. Investing in arts education helps students become healthier and more likely to succeed both in the classroom and the workplace. It is crucial to ensure every student in the United States has access to a strong arts education.

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March 12, 2025