The training of the artist of the theatre as revealed in the writings of Edward Gordon Craig

The purpose of this study was to systemtize the training of the theatre artist as given in the writings of Edward Gordon Craig. Craig has long been recognized for his contributions to the development of the modern theatre. Most notably the role of the director and designer have developed to their current status because of Craig. . Few people, however, have recognized his role in the development of theatre education.

Craig believed theatre could only advance if the craftsmen in it were artists, or men trained in all the aspects of an art. This training could only be fully acquired in a school. The primary method of teaching was experimentation. In an attempt to follow this philosophy Craig established the School for the Art of the Theatre at the Arena Goldoni in Florence, Italy, in l9l3.

The writings of Craig were examined to determine his philosophical concepts of theatre training. A comparison was made between the writings before the school opened and the practice at the school to determine the practical applications of his concepts.

Craig wanted the students to have a strong liberal arts background before they began training in theatre. Once they began their theatre training, the students worked with the basic skills. Craig believed students could not learn advanced skills such as design or directing until they had mastered all the fundamentals.

Each student was trained in all of the areas of the theatre. The students were also teachers. Each one brought a certain skill with him to the school and shared that skill with his fellow students. The main methods of teaching were by experimentation. Students were not attempting to memorize knowledge; rather, they were gathering new information.

Most of the general concepts Craig expounded are in practice today. Students are now given a broad general knowledge of the arts and sciences and are also introduced to most of the major fields in theatre.

Practitioners in educational theatre today need to understand the forces which shaped theatre training in its present form. Edward Gordon Craig was a major one of these forces. Only by understanding the history and development of educational theatre, can intelligent decisions be made as to its future.