The purpose of this study is to determine (1) what training is recommended for high school teachers of drama, (2) what training the high school teachers of drama actually have, (3) what job situation is recommended for the high school teacher of drama, and (4) what job situation the high school teachers of drama in the State of Texas actually have. This study should determine if there is a significant relationship between what a high school drama teacher should be and what the high school drama teachers of Texas actually are.

The problem with which this study is concerned is that of critically analyzing and producing the musical comedy The Apple Tree. The study attempts to adapt some of the major unifying elements of this production and, in addition, unite the show through the use of color. The study also attempts to update the production through an extension of symbolism based on the style of Peter Max; to produce a major musical comedy in a stylized and symbolic style, and to show how a stylized and symbolic method of production can be used to achieve simplicity and unity within the confines of a limited budget.

This thesis records data on the development of The Park Boulevard Players, Plano, Texas, as an innovative school district theatre arts program. Data is organized to illustrate program growth based on educational and performance needs of involved students and community citizens. It proves that high school students are capable of producing summer entertainment worthy of community viewing. Being original in form and content, this thesis should serve as a resourceful guide for similar programs. The thesis contains five chapters arranged in chronological order. After Chapter I, Introduction, three chapters span three separate company seasons: June, 1978; June, 1979; June, 1981. The final chapter summarizes the program and presents evaluations and conclusions.