In theatre technology may be used as a product, a process, or a resource in instruction and for assessments. Video, film, and electronic media, which are now available to many schools, provide opportunities for education in the four components of artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context, and aesthetic valuing. A complete theatre program needs to include the use of electronic media in viewing, producing, and evaluating productions and for the historical and cultural study of theatre.

Advances in stagecraft, such as somputerized lighting controllers, sound-mixing equipment, design software, desktop publishing, and special effects, are now affordable and are available for use in schools. Multimedia products incorporating live theatre with electronic media ar also options to be explored. CD-ROMs, laser discs, and the information highway provide burgeoning access to technical information, theatre productions, multimedia presentations, communication, scripts, journals, and media reviews that suggest ways in which to us theatre in the classroom.

Using technology for assessment is one of the most valuable applications for theatre teachers. Recording student rehearsals and performances on videotape permits students to evaluate and reflect on their work. Video portfolios can be economically duplicated, stored, and shared with others, developing in students a sense of history, progress, and accomplishment.

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