Deanna,

We are a natural history and regional history museum.  We use "museum 
theatre" (yes, that is the term--same as first person interpretation, 
historical reenactment, etc) in our educational programs.  There are many 
museums using this technique.  In fact their is an international 
association--ther International Museum Theatre Alliance 
(IMTAL--www.imtal.org) dedicated to this style of presentation.

Having said that, I use the method at various greade levels.  I believe it 
provides them yet another tool to understanding history.  I also believe 
that it adresses varied learning styles.  Many of your visitors will be 
visual learners and thus will respond well to such visual presentations.

We do not solely use theatrical presentations.  Some of our programs are 
hands-on/ object based without the use of costumes.  Many times, it depends 
what the subject matter is.  For example, when discussing ancient Egypt (we 
have a mummy in one of our galleries that was unwrapped on site in 1966), we 
have a presentation done by the "Ba" (or spirit) of the mummy downstairs.  
Because she was a chantress and dancer, a theatrical style lends itself to a 
better understanding of her life and culture.  Is it necessary?  No.  But, 
it does offer an experience that is different than our other offerings.

You bring up training.  I believe that is key.  Just putting a presenter in 
costume is nice, however why?  How do they use it?  Do they use iot to 
explain the dress of the period.  Does it help to transport the audience to 
another place?  Why are the costumes being used?  If they are incorportated 
into the presentation to enhance the learning, they have merit.  

Training.  Good use of costumed interpretation incorportaes good training.  
If you are doing a first person interpretation, the person should be trained 
in presentation skills and be able to answer questions which may arrive 
after the "scripted" presentation.  If you are doing "theatre", you will 
need to have people who possess these skills (or who you feel you can train) 
and know that the dress is indeed "just a costume".  In essence, they are 
not trained any differently than any non-costumed presenter.  The question 
is how is the costume used.

I would never "make" anyone wear a costume.  if the individual is 
uncomfortable, that will come off to the audience.  If they are comfortable, 
you can use their costumes (especially historical) as a teaching 
tool--provided the costumes are historically accurate.  Why did they wear 
this dress?  Why is it constructed in this way?  What elements are 
multifunctional?  What drawbacks are there?  The "costume" can actually 
become the "object" you are interpreting.  

The possibilities are endless.  In the end, there is not a right or wrong 
answer.  Itn will all depend what works best for your institution and your 
staff.  You might also survey those who have been attending your programs.  
Do they like the costumned aspect?  Why?  What does it add to their 
experience?

And do some research.  Check with the National Interpreters Association, the 
Living History Association and IMTAL  (there are others).  All will have 
great resources for research, tips for training staff, and pointers on using 
costumed interpretation to your advantage.

If you have other questions, please feel free to contact me off-list.  This 
is my entire job--full-time!  My background is theatre and education.  I 
have found it to be a highly effective tool in my museum where we offer 
theatrical options for school programs and for our public audiences.  It 
also has been highly siuccessful as an additional outreach opportunity.

Christina
Christina M. Myatt
Theatrical Programming Coordinator
Putnam Museum
1717 West 12th Street
Davenport IA 52804
563.324.1054 ext. 207 (phone)
[log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
From: Deana Flanders <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 09:13:22 -0500
Subject: Educators and Costumes

> I am the (relatively new) programs coordinator for a regional museum.
> Several of our school programs have involved the educators being in
> period costume and sometimes engaging in a first-person style of
> presentation.  I am trying to decide the extent to which I want to
> continue this practice and am looking for input from other museums
> with
> a history focus (but that do not consider themselves "living history"
> museums).
> 
> To what extent do you use costumes and/or first-person presentation?
> 
> What are the benefits and drawbacks of using this method?
> 
> In what ways do you see this enhancing or detracting from the
> educational value of your programs?
> 
> What training do you provide to educators who are using this method
> of
> instruction?
> 
> Are there certain age groups for whom this method is or is not
> effective?
> 
> Thank you for your input!
> 
> Deana R. Flanders
> Programs Coordinator
> The Bennington Museum
> 75 Main Street
> Bennington, VT 05201
> Phone: (802) 447-1571
> www.benningtonmuseum.org
> 
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