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Editor's note linn.i links. I diluì All the World's A Stiif>c - W i l l i a m Shakespeare A s 1 sifted t h r o u g h press kits, emails, faxes a n d phone calls to select stories for this issue, " T h e a t r e " j u m p e d into the spotlight. Theatre is definitely alive a n d well in N o r t h V a n c o u v e r (see page 10, 18). But theatre is m o r e than just entertainment - especially for students i n o u r schools. D r a m a t i c A r t s e d u c a t i o n is often considered a frill in the c u r r i c u l u m . B u t it is a n y t h i n g but a frill. Let me c o u n t the w a y s . . . D r a m a stimulates creativity i n p r o b l e m s o l v i n g . It challenges students' perceptions about their w o r l d a n d about themselves. D r a m a t i c e x p l o r a t i o n gives students an outlet for emotions, thoughts, and dreams that they might not otherwise have means to express. A student can, if o n l y for a few moments, become another, explore a new role, try out a n d experiment w i t h various personal choices a n d s o l u t i o n s to very real p r o b l e m s , p r o b l e m s from their o w n life, o r p r o b l e m s faced by characters in literature o r history. A n d it happens i n a safe a t m o sphere, w h e r e actions a n d consequences are e x a m i n e d , discussed, a n d i n a very real sense experienced w i t h out the dangers a n d pitfalls that such e x p e r i m e n t a t i o n w o u l d lead to in the " r e a l " w o r l d . A t the center o f a l l D r a m a is c o m m u n i c a t i o n ; it a l l o w s students to c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h a n d understand others in new w a y s . Students in D r a m a are better able to put themselves into others' shoes a n d relate to t h e m , b u i l d ing a more positive self-esteem because of it. D r a m a helps develop tolerance a n d empathy. T o play a role competently, an actor must fully i n h a b i t another's soul a n d really u n d e r s t a n d h o w the w o r l d l o o k s through another person's eyes. In today's increasingly p o l a r i z e d a n d intolerant culture, the ability to understand others' motives a n d choices is c r i t i c a l . In D r a m a , everyone has to w o r k together, on stage a n d off - no art f o r m is more truly c o l l a b o r a t i v e . D r a m a can and does help b u i l d responsible global citwens. I k n o w this to be true. S o m e o n e close to m y heart, a D r a m a teacher, recently, literally, ran i n t o the sunset. H i s students, past a n d present, c o n f i r m i n their messages from across the c o u n t r y w h a t he always k n e w , that " a l l the w o r l d ' s a stage," a n d time o n his stage d r a m a t i c a l l y altered their lives. what's fun! Captivating Kids Crafts First Saturday of every month Noon - 4 pm / in front of Lewiscraft Capilano Mall and Lewiscraft are pleased to offer FREE Kids Crafts. Go to www.capilanomall.com for monthly craft information. Time to shop... capilanomall.com 935 Marine Dr, North Vancouver / 604-980-8561 2 November | December Capilano Mall