This study sought to discover the principles of characterization governing the Sheng and the Dan roles in the Chinese opera. Seven Dan role divisions and three Sheng role divisions were studied. It was discovered that throughout its long history the Chinese opera had adhered to its original singing and dancing styles; that the creative activities involved in the opera's staging were subordinated to singing and dancing styles; that the actors in the Chinese opera perform only one role category in their career; that years of rigid training were required before the actors were allowed to perform on stage; that each role division had its peculiar method of characterization that was shown through their performances, their costumes, and their acting techniques.

Raven's Song is an original musical dramatizing the conflict between paganism and Christianity. The play revolves around a woman who has become disillusioned by her people and her gods. The only gods she has ever known were blood-thirsty, appeased only by the blood and entrails of human sacrifice. Therefore, Raven resists all religion. Through providential circumstances, she is married into a Christian family and is overwhelmed by their love, and the kindness of their God. In search for truth, Raven begins to question her disbelief. All men search for truth in their own way, and all, at one time, will question the existence and nature of God. The play does not presume to answer these questions, but allows each participant to decide for himself, as Raven must decide for herself.