Theater and youth

Overview "This thesis discusses the intersections of theory and practice in applied theatre through an analysis of effective applied theatre projects, a review of literature, and the author's interpretation of her own professional experiences. The deliberate combination of theory and practice also explores some ways that devising theatre can promote a broader understanding of individual identity within the complex structures of oppression. The central question is: what are the benefits and challenges...

Overview "Childhood is one of the few truly universal experiences and as young people play, they actively explore and making sense of the world and its sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and textures all for the very first time. Theatre for the Very Young (TVY), a subtype within the field of Theatre for Young Audiences, invites audience ownership and playful participation during this critical and complex time of early childhood. This thesis positions the play of young people as inherently dramaturgical....

Overview "This thesis project explores reasons for implementing SEL practices into educational theatre. Productions offer opportunities for collaboration, creativity, celebration and learning. Research shows that learning cannot happen when students are in crisis mode. Schools have reopened in 2021-2022, but many educators will agree; learning isn't happening. This project focuses on a production at a school south of Boston that has been suffering with racial tensions, violence, and a fractured sense...

Overview "This thesis seeks to illuminate the challenges and opportunities of intentionally including disabled students identified for special education services in a public high school theater context. The findings are based on the experiences of a theater educator, artist, and scholar running a "unified theater" program where students with and without disabilities come together to create and present an original devised play based on their interests. The author dramatizes what "meaningful inclusion"...

Overview

Research in the Youth Development (YD) field points to teenagers benefitting from youth-centered participatory structures such as a Teen Council. Through the active application of YD principles, a regional theater Teen Council structure has the potential