History lessons, plot synopses and a politician from the 1700s are all common aspects of Eisenhower Auditorium's "Artistic Viewpoints."

The Center for the Performing Arts offers a workshop titled "Artistic Viewpoints" to patrons before the beginning of all shows, except for children's performances. Often the workshop includes a history lesson or plot synopsis to help the viewer gain a better understanding of the show they are about to see.

When the musical 1776 came across Eisenhower's stage last year, the session of "Artistic Viewpoints" included a presentation by an actor dressed and in the character of Benjamin Franklin who did not leave the time period of the 17th century.

Ken Foster, a former CPA director, developed the concept behind "Artistic Viewpoints" in the late 1980s. The program started out as an occasional occurrence before select shows, but now it has been elevated to the point that there is a workshop before every show.

Susan Stockton, director of the CPA, believes the center is more aggressive than other institutions at obtaining educational programs with the artists.

"We are one of the few institutions that make this ("Artistic Viewpoints") part of the contract with the artist," Stockton said.

Performers are obligated through their contracts to give some type of presentation in an educational forum, such as a lecture before hand or attending a class in the community or on campus. For instance, the Dance Company from Tango Pasión had a workshop with the Penn State Ballroom Dance Club along with its session of "Artistic Viewpoints."

Often, the CPA will go to other experts around campus to help provide them with the information provided at the workshop. Amy Vashaw, director of education for the CPA, discussed the thinking behind finding speakers.

"Since the CPA is part of the university, we have access to a vast array of cultural experts," Vashaw said.

"When the center has a performance that is aligned with someone's particular area of expertise, it is always gratifying to call on someone locally for the 'Artistic Viewpoints.'"

Currently the workshops tend to bring in crowds ranging from 20 to 80 people, often depending on the show.

Vashaw said she felt it didn't matter how many people actually attended because if the program is able to help someone better understand the show then it has met its purpose.

"Its main goal is to provide context for the people who are going to see the performance," Vashaw said.

A goal of the CPA is to use "Artistic Viewpoints" as a stepping stone to bigger and better things, such as residency programs with the artists.

The CPA would like to bring artists into the community for half a week or maybe more so they are able to meet with more members of the community and provide them with an educational experience.

So far the CPA has found eight performers in next year's season that are willing to take on the residency program. While "Artistic Viewpoints" begins to expand into more community based outreach programs, the workshops before the shows will stay intact.

" 'Artistic Viewpoints' is just another way for the current artists to interact with the community," Stockton said.

The program has been in effect for several years and has been able to provide many patrons with the opportunity to learn more about the shows that they are going to be viewing.

Peter Wray, press and public relations manager for the CPA, believes it is a wonderful program and should be utilized by more patrons.

"It's one of the best-kept secrets of the presentations at the Center for the Performing Arts," Wray said.