SPECIAL INTERNET2 PROGRAM FROM NEW WORLD SYMPHONY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7
Internet2 Program from the New World Symphony
Susan Stauter, Arts Advocate from San Francisco, California
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Room 1404

Susan Stauter, nationally recognized arts advocate from San Francisco will be talking about the importance of introducing children to the creative arts. She emphasizes the importance of arts education as a means of helping children develop critical thinking skills, self-esteem and self discipline. In addition, she explains how teaching artists can promote the value of arts education in the current "standardized testing" environment. Her approach incorporates scientific data as well as personal experience and is of great value to anyone who wishes to do outreach work within the public schools.

Susan Stauter received her M.A. in Theater Arts from the California State University, Fullerton, in 1982 and has extensive experience as a director, playwright, actor and teacher. She served as Conservatory Director at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco prior to assuming her present position with the San Francisco Unified School District in 1993. As both an artist and arts educator, she has taken a particular interest in building meaningful connections between arts organizations, such as the San Francisco Opera and the Museum of Modern Art, and the public schools.

Stauter has made it her business to alert Americans to the necessity of harnessing the energy and creativity of the young through arts education. She has served on a wide range of advisory boards and task forces, including the State of California's Task Force for Standards in Arts Education which is tackling the critical issue of arts assessment. Stauter consults regularly on arts education and advocacy issues for such clients as Artsvision and Disney's Entertainment Division.