Partners in Education

Giving Cues: Recommended Guidelines for Writing and Designing
Performance Materials for Young People

The book, Giving Cues: Recommended Guidelines for Writing and Designing Performance Materials for Young People, is the result of a three-year development period for Cuesheet - the name given for the performing arts study guides published by the Kennedy Center Education Department and the National Symphony Orchestra. Cuesheets are designed for teachers to use with their students before and after attending performances. These resources contain introductory information and activities appropriate for all children, even without experiencing the performance.

The Giving Cues text is designed to provide guidelines for the writing and designing of performance materials in music, dance, and theater for young people. Content includes suggestions for information about performances, student learning activities, advice about audience roles and responsibilities, and resources for students and teachers. Significant in the three-year development process was the continuing analysis of evaluations made by approximately 750 teachers who completed questionnaires and 60 who participated in focus group meetings concerning the content and design of prototype performance materials.

The 64-page, full-color book sells for $25.00 per copy. For more information or to order copies, call the Kennedy Center Education Department at (202) 416-8806 or download the order form.

The Kennedy Center's ARTSEDGE Web site includes an Archive of Cuesheets.