A new interdisciplinary college/university course entitled, "Arts, Ethics and the Athlete" can play a pivotal role in fostering understanding, cooperation and patronage within the respective worlds of the performing arts and athletics. A primary component of the course examines the ethical challenges inherent within the world of athletics and the arts. This examination is an important element in the development of young students and their personal ethical and value systems.

Theatre students examine their personal moral and value systems as issues of nudity, language, and subject matter arise regarding play production and face ethical dilemma's regarding federal, state and community grant guidelines. However, student athletes may be at greater risk with daily pressures, temptations and dreams of stardom and endorsements. An examination of news reports provides numerous examples of student athletes facing charges of cheating, theft, sexual harassment, abuse or worse. Most distressing are examples of adults (university and professional coaches and athletes), facing similar charges. Of utmost concern are the growing numbers of athletes that cast aside their education to pursue their dream of a life in professional sports. "Arts, Ethics and the Athlete" examines these issues in a dramatic and meaningful exploration of the artist and athlete and focuses on personal choice. Such choices will reflect the status of our educational institutions and our society long into the 21st century. Such an exploration will benefit all students that pursue their dreams and aspirations.

1) creating a performance text (theatrical play) to reach a broader audience, in order to foster understanding and appreciation for the arts and athletics amongst community members;

2) creating a course text to be used in the context of the course;

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the course and the unique relationship (or lack thereof), between the arts and athletics, a text addressing such issues does not exist. The author's initial goal is to compile an extensive list of interviews. Students reading and/or acting out the words of their peers may ideally realize the importance of their college/university educational opportunities and their responsibility in and to society. The ideal candidates for interviews consist of athletic coaches, athletes, and performance artists of all levels (professional, university and high school).