Grades 7-12
Social Studies
Arts Appreciation
Marian MacDowell, creator of the MacDowell Colony, has been identified as a "significant figure in American cultural history." She invited her first colonist to Peterborough in 1907, and lived to 1956, when she died at age 98. She had vision and purpose and was a tireless worker, fundraiser and builder for the Colony. Unlike most other late 19th Century colonies which were developed around a charismatic figure, the MacDowell Colony with its rules and routines was the result of a specific plan carried out by Marian and a New York-based board of directors. They developed a colony to provide artists with tranquility and fellowship regardless of social status or income. Artists are chosen with consideration of talent and seriousness of purpose. A common question is: "Who is at MacDowell now who is famous?" and the reply is "We don't know... yet."
Students viewing the History of the Colony episode will recognize the effort it takes to build something worthwhile and lasting through the qualities demonstrated by Marian MacDowell and the support that she gained through the community of Peterborough.
Hold a class discussion or have students write an essay on the pros and cons of "affiliation of the arts." Ask students to do a reflective writing on a task they think is "worthwhile and lasting," and to which they could consider dedicating a lifetime, even if it means "doing without."
Juliette (Nadine Sierra) performs "Ah! Je veux vivre" in "Roméo et Juliette"
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Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Verdi's grand tale of love, deadly vendetta, and family strife.
Lily Tomlin speaks about her time on Laugh-In and how she developed her characters.
Paul Mooney reflects on the mechanics of stand-up and his role as Richard Pryor's best friend.
Phyllis Diller reflects on how her comedy was a response to years of "take my wife" jokes.
Jeff Foxworthy discusses regionalism in comedy and why "redneck" is a state of mind.
Lise Davidsen performs the Act IV aria "La Forza del Destino."
Acclaimed English director Carrie Cracknell makes her Met debut.
Aigul Akhmetshina and the Met Chorus perform "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle"
Jamie Diaz is a trans woman and artist who has spent nearly 30 years in a men's prison in Texas.
Great Performances mourns the passing of its founding Executive Producer, Jac Venza.
Audra McDonald Performs "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" in this anniversary concert.
Joan Rivers speaks about her experience as a female comic in the early 60s.
Features an all-star cast at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Purlie (Leslie Odom, Jr.) prepares Lutiebelle by quizzing her about her "past."
The comedic play tells the story of a Black preacher's scheme to reclaim his inheritance.
Jamie Diaz is a trans woman and artist who has spent nearly 30 years in a men's prison in Texas.
Purlie (Leslie Odom, Jr.) tells Missy about his plan to get his church back.
Conan O'Brien speaks about his style of late night and his reason for doing comedy.
Features an all-star cast at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Audra McDonald performs a repertoire of classic Broadway songs at the London Palladium.
The comedic play tells the story of a Black preacher's scheme to reclaim his inheritance.
Experience this Shakespearean classic directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon.
Audra McDonald, Michael Ball, Daniel Dae Kim discuss their earliest memory of R&H.
Audra McDonald performs a repertoire of classic Broadway songs at the London Palladium.
Patrick Wilson performs "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin" from "Oklahoma."
The cast of Hamlet discuss what it means to bring the story of Hamlet into the modern day.
The cast of Hamlet discuss what shapes their characters' interactions with one another.
The cast of "Rodgers and Hammerstein's 80th Anniversary" perform "Edelweiss."
Discover the work of New York photographer Corky Lee in his own words.
Enjoy a sneak peek from the star-studded concert.
Experience this Shakespearean classic directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon.
Follow host Scott Yoo's journey to compose a piece of music for the first time.
Ancient Babylon comes to life in this production of Verdi's early masterpiece.
Jerry Seinfeld discusses his collaboration with Larry David and the evolution of the sitcom.
Actor John Lithgow goes back to school to celebrate the power of arts education.
Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr.
Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr.
David Bacharach creates "The Mounds," a land art installation confronting climate change.
Audra McDonald performs "Will He Like Me?" from "She Loves Me."
Audra McDonald performs "I Could Have Danced All Night" from "My Fair Lady."
Audra McDonald performs "Cornet Man" and explains her special connection to the song.
Explore how virtuosos become maestros, featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Lynn Chang and more.
Find your front row seat at home for four nights of acclaimed theater productions.
Ato Blankson-Wood (Hamlet) and Lorraine Toussaint (Gertrude) in The Public Theater's "Haml
Solea Pfeiffer performs Ophelia's flower monologue from Hamlet Act IV Scene 5.
Ato Blankson-Wood performs "To be, or not to be" at the Delacorte Theater.
Comedian Susie Essman talks about the unique traits of "Curb Your Enthusiasm."