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.

The Sisterhood of Dark Sanctuary is an original play about two sisters who are struggling to find their own identities away from their mother. The sisters have developed a functioning relationship wherein they alternate between the dominant partner and the passive partner, often assuming the roles of a mother and a child. This relationship has become so secure and stable for the sisters that they cannot develop healthy adult identities apart from each other.

The purpose of this play is to dramatize the fable of a city mouse and her cousin in the country, and the differences in their lifestyles. Through visits to each other's respective homes, the mice discover that there is more to life than what their own environment has to offer.

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.

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.