Long neglected as a pedagogical tool in studying United States culture, plays are uniquely tied to their time and place of origin. This workshop will seek to teach teachers how to utilize plays as performance texts in the classroom. In addition, participants will learn how to "read" video versions of plays by prominent American playwrights, whether made for cinema or television. This workshop will convene university teachers of American Studies, especially members of English Departments and those interested in media studies.