Abraham Lincoln was one of America's most unmusical presidents: he could neither play an instrument nor carry a tune.
This lesson explores the implications of developing a musical from a literary text or an historical event, and includes suggestions for immersing students into the creative process of building a musical.
Use the visual art and language arts to creatively tell stories of monstrous proportions
What's Love Got to Do With It? A look at Pas de Deux in three ballets: Romeo and Juliette, Swan Lake, and Agon.
Alan Stanford & the Cast of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" talk about experiencing the magic of theater by coming to the theater with an "open heart."
Students construct a mock baseball field and from there explore the sport of baseball through art, movement, and sound.
Students will discuss and explore the cultures that have contributed to making the United States the unique and diverse country it is today.
Students learn about American artist Charles Burchfield. Students capture information and sketches in a journal, then use these ideas to create an original watercolor.
Andes Manta performs the vibrant music of the Andes on more than 35 traditional instruments. From the lyrical sound of the quena, or Andean Flute, to the haunting tones of the six-foot long pan-pipes, the music of Andes Manta is an experience that never fails to bring audiences to their feet.
A 3-part audio series that explores different aspects of Arab music: the musical instruments of the Arab World; what makes Arab music unique; and the styles of music in the Arab World.
How do composers hear space? What does space sound like? Is there music in space? Narrated by Roger Launius of the Space History Division of the National Air and Space Museum, this series looks at the way music and outer space connect.
In this four-day lesson, students will be reading Anne Nelson's play, "The Guys", not only as a vehicle for remembrance, but also as a mentor text for their own playwriting. Over the course of four classes, students will interview their peers about their memories of September 11th, 2001, and use those memories to craft a one-act play for performance
An audio series pulled from lectures, workshops and other events for educators presented by and through the Education Department of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This lesson examines the consequences of personal conscience in conflict with rigid societal perceptions of what is "right" in human behavior as articulated in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible".
Through his words and examples, President Kennedy raised awareness of the importance of the arts in America.
Resources for arts-active parents, families and communities.
From musical theater to music in space, our media collections reflect the breadth and depth of the performing arts in America and around the world. These are some of our staff favorites--we'd love to hear yours!
How do composers "hear" outer space? How did Beethoven compose music when he couldn't hear? Browse lessons and multimedia that explore the art and science of the world of sound around us.
Discover the real story of the Lion King and the rich tapestry of sounds from North African cultures.
Learn about the African American experience through the arts's and discover the contributions of African Americans to the history and culture of the United States.