DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
The Demonstration Project
AN AMERICAN MUSICAL
As an initial demonstration of civic education through the performing arts, the initiative proposes to use An American Musical, an original musical by composer-in-residence, Dr. Jack Tierney. Unlike most mainstream musicals, whose primary objectives are to engage and entertain audiences, An American Musical was intentionally conceived and developed as an educational experience. Its guiding principle is Engage, Entertain, AND Educate, with all three elements working together throughout the performance.
Set in a small-town diner during a presidential election, the musical brings together ordinary Americans with differing backgrounds, beliefs, and political perspectives. Through music, humor, and dramatic encounters, the characters explore questions of democracy, constitutional freedoms, civic responsibility, and the challenges of living together in a divided society.
The musical is designed to entertain while encouraging audiences to think about the principles and practices of democratic government. Rather than delivering lectures or advocating political positions, it incorporates civic learning into the characters, dialogue, music, and story itself.
As a demonstration project, the musical offers an opportunity to explore how theatrical performances can serve as engaging civic learning experiences. Possible presentations range from full theatrical productions to shorter performances designed for community gatherings, school assemblies and other civic events with opportunities for audience discussion and reflection.
The objective is not simply to produce a musical, but to develop, demonstrate, and evaluate a model of civic education through the performing arts that could eventually be adapted to other productions, communities, and venues.
Explore AN AMERICAN MUSICAL
learn about the production, and listen to its music:
https://www.jackmct.com/democracy---the-musical