Jordan Luty - Boston Conservatory Essay

In Leo Tolstoys book, What is Art?, he defines the seemingly simple concept of art in
several ways. Perhaps the most influential definition he provides is, To evoke in oneself a
feeling one has once experienced, and having evoked it in oneself, then, by means of
movements, lines, colors, sounds, or forms expressed in words, so to transmit that feeling that
others may experience the same feeling - this is the activity of art. Musicals, plays, songs,
paintings, and other forms of art do more than provide a pretty melody or visual; they have
completely shaped humanitys past by presenting an idea about mankind's environment and
transmitting it to others. Art allows humans to express opinions way more powerfully than
speaking, and it provides all with a creative outlet fostering feelings of acceptance and
significance.
The quintessential need for the arts is for cohesion. In conservative Kansas, arts programs
are experiencing a huge deficit. Governor Brownback continues to underfund education
programs, detrimentally affecting our youth. A creative outlet is necessary for many students to
thrive and feel at home. To become one society, the arts are integral. Positive synergy is attained
with individual parts working together, andwithout the arts-many creative leaders would
have no means to promote our world. Through leadership positions in forensics, youth theatrical
organizations, and band, I have encountered many situations where students didn't fit in outside
of the arts curriculum; it was the only place they could excel.
Personally, the arts have shaped my life. Through the processes of casting, musicdirecting, directing, costuming, composing, choreographing, and accompanying shows, Ive
delved into every aspect of the performing arts. In my first creation, a musical based on Robert

Munschs Paper Bag Princess, I adopted a feminist piece of literature portraying the salience of
individuality. I have many other ideas for shows: a "25th annual Putnam county spelling bee"style beauty pageant with a twist of Scott Westerfeld's Uglies" would provide analysis of beauty
standards, Palindrome: The Musical would display the importance of specific events and how
they influence the future, and Giving Tree: The Musical, where a girl disappointedly gets cast as
a tree not knowing that shes the main character, signifies a shows reliance on individual cast
members over roles.
While providing all peoples with a creative outlet fostering feelings of acceptance and
significance, the arts bolster creative expression. Through their influence in my life, Ive thought
about situations in a more individual way. Utilizing them has not only allowed me to transmit
ideas; its provided a solace for those who need it most. By using art, I will provide two things to
my peers: stimulation and a home.