Theater Arts Theater, performance art, comedy, and drama are vital elements of Arete Living Arts productions. Arete productions usually mix elements to create experimental forms. Often performances attempt to keep the audience guessing whether stage action is scripted for the actors or a spontaneous expression of true emotions. Actors are expected to control these fine lines in order to achieve the artistic goal. Arete productions also regularly break the fourth wall to make the audience an integral part of the performance. When audience reaction is central to the movement of the production, the actors are required to improvise while maintaining the overall direction of the work. The skills required of actors are far beyond anything most actors encounter.