Theatreforte starts the day with a challenging post:

Someone very smart wrote that if you can fulfill one of three needs, people will do anything for you.

* Aid their health.
* Make them richer.
* Do something for their kids.

So, how does Theater address these needs?

Let's see...

Health:
People who are engaged in their communities and have strong social bonds are physically and mentally healthier. Theater, unlike watching TV or surfing the web, provides human interaction. It goes beyond film, which is also experienced as a group, by the live contact we have with actors. It's an art form that was created to elicit discussion and create a dialogue with those around us. By forcing us question and define our shared values, Theater, by its very nature, is exists to strengthen community. A stronger community means a healthier community.

Wealth:
Theater isn't co-opted by commercials. When you watch a play, you aren't interrupted every thirteen minutes by announcements of new medications for completely made-up conditions. No pop-ups, product placements, or coming attractions. Isn't it great to sit in your seat and get exactly what you paid for? For 90 minutes or so, you can be completely engaged in a work of the imagination. Does this make you wealthier? Maybe not, but at least you don't walk out wanting more crap you didn't need in the first place.

Think of the children:
I can only speak for myself on this one. Seeing my first play (The Wizard of Oz, Pabst Theater, Milwaukee, age 8) is one of the childhood experiences that I can recognize as life altering. I still vividly remember walking into the opulent, century old building. When the curtains parted, the show tapped into my imagination, engaged me on a level that went beyond anything I'd been exposed to at this point. It was the first experience in my life that made me feel that there might actually be magic in the world. (I was a kid who pretended to believe in Santa Claus for the benefit of my parents) Later on, as a High School student, I rediscovered theater, which I fell into almost by default. I didn't like sports, play an instrument, and found myself sort of adrift. If I hadn't wandered into our school's theater department, I can honestly say I would probably be pumping gas at the local Citgo right now. Theater became my only reason to come to school. For a depressed teenager who found little to care about, Theater was something that involved me, activated me, and gave me a means to express myself. It provided a kid who probably would not of obtained a diploma, a set of skills that not only got me through high school, but also helped me to excel in college. It gave me a love of reading, writing, and taught me to think abstractly and critically. I often make sarcastic comments about being playwright, writing for a dying art form, having a skill that will never feed me on its own, etc, etc... When it comes down to it, and I know it sounds a little overstated, Theater saved my life.