Abstract
This article examines the ethical challenges of involving students in theatre production, distinguishing between educational use and potential exploitation. It highlights how the demand for high-quality productions may tempt directors to prioritize product over process, sometimes at the expense of student learning. Issues such as typecasting, assigning menial tasks, and pressuring students into roles that conflict with personal beliefs or health are analyzed as potential forms of misuse. The discussion also addresses requests for student labor from outside groups, raising concerns about exploitation when no compensation or clear educational benefit is provided. The article concludes by proposing guiding principles: prioritizing student education, balancing individual and collective needs, and avoiding situations where power dynamics compromise student welfare. It calls for continual reflection to ensure that student participation remains a genuine learning experience.
Recommended Citation
Hill, Philip G.
(1987)
"Using Students in the Theatre,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 62, Article 18.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol62/iss1/18
