Realizing that there is virtually no acknowledgement of the theater arts as part of the educational program in the public schools of Iowa, this guide is intended to be a model for instruction in theater beginning in the earliest grades and continuing beyond the school years. It is organized so that it is the theater teacher/director who makes the critical choices concerning the construction of learning activities and the relevant student objectives to be emphasized. Organized into three parts, the first part of the guide discusses the rationale, philosophy, and goals for theater education. The second part discusses the goals: general and enabling objectives; skills; attitudes; and understandings which are organized at six different developmental levels: (1) kindergarten; (2) grades 1-3; (3) grades 4-6; (4) grades 7-8; (5) grades 9-14, general; and (6) grades 9-14, specialized--acting, technical theater, and theater production. Also presented are suggestions for building various types of learning experiences and eight sample learning activities. The final part of the guide deals with evaluation of the curriculum, students, and teachers. Among the appendices are a sample audience survey form, curriculum resources, and a glossary. A 10-page bibliography is also included. (KWL)