“The master of fine-arts degree has long been sufficient for artists seeking to teach at the college level. But significant change may be on the horizon, as increasing numbers of college and university administrators are urging artists to obtain doctoral degrees. Pushing artists toward doctoral programs fundamentally changes their focus and goals. The Ph.D. says to the university, ‘I am committing myself to academe,’ whereas the M.F.A. primarily reflects a commitment to developing one’s skills as an artist. Requiring studio artists to become researchers as well would diminish their ability to keep one foot in the exhibition world.”
Tag: 11.01.07
Has Move Damaged The Atlantic?
“The magazine’s long-time claim to fame has been erudite literary nonfiction that ‘breaks ideas,’ as correspondent James Fallows put it in Cambridge. Today, though, the Atlantic seems drier, wonkier, more focused on grabbing readers (and advertisers) by following the stories of the day, and less interested in examining subjects no one else is talking about. And while the move from Boston doesn’t deserve all the credit — or blame, depending on your perspective — for this change, there’s reason to think the magazine’s relocation is playing a major role.”
Three Encounters With Robert Goulet
“Three pictures of him instantly flashed into my mind from the times I had met him: young and triumphant, middle-aged and troubled, older and wiser.”
Rowling’s First Book After “Harry”
“J.K. Rowling has completed her first book not to feature teen wizard Harry Potter – an illustrated collection of magical fairy stories titled ‘The Tales of Beedle the Bard.’ Only seven copies of the book are being printed, Rowling said Thursday. One will be auctioned next month to raise money for a children’s charity, while the others have been given away as gifts.”
The Understudy Who Came Back A Star
Soprano Elaine Alvarez, who was serving as the understudy for Angela Gheorghiu in a production of “La Boheme” in Chicago last month. The Lyric Opera management, understandably miffed after Gheorghiu missed six out of 10 rehearsals, told the Romanian diva to take a hike and Alvarez found herself singing the role of Mimi on short notice, to public and critical acclaim.
Writers’ Contract Expires, Strike To Follow?
“If the writers strike, the walkout will at first most noticeably affect talk shows and soap operas that use guild writers, sending the programs into repeats or forcing the hosts to ad-lib. The production of television series would then slow, as producers burn through scripts. Moviegoers will not experience immediate effects, as studios have finished, or are rushing into production, movies that will arrive in theaters through 2008, using scripts that are already written.”
After A Life In The Theatre
Tom O’Horgan left New York this week after a lifetime in the theatre. “O’Horgan never stopped working, mostly directing workshops and readings in tiny theaters around town, often on a stage built in his loft. There were concerts at the loft, readings and parties that attracted artists from all corners of the city and often ended with impromptu late-night orchestras made up of whatever instruments were within reach.”