13.4 Continuing Education and Skill Development
3 min read•august 6, 2024
Applied theater practitioners need ongoing education to stay sharp. From to workshops, to , there are many ways to level up your skills and knowledge in this dynamic field.
and are also crucial. Reading books, attending conferences, and collaborating with peers help you grow as a practitioner and contribute to the collective wisdom of the applied theater community.
Formal Education
Graduate Programs and Professional Development Courses
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- Graduate programs provide advanced education and training in applied theater through master's or doctoral degrees
- Can be research-based (MA, MS, PhD) or practice-based (MFA)
- Offer specialized courses, mentorship, and opportunities for in-depth study and research
- Examples: (CUNY), (ASU)
- are shorter, targeted learning experiences that focus on specific skills or topics relevant to applied theater practitioners
- Often offered through universities, professional associations, or training organizations
- Can be in-person or online, ranging from one-day workshops to multi-week intensives
- Provide opportunities to learn from experts, network with peers, and gain practical skills
- Examples: (NYU), (Mandala Center)
Certifications
- Certifications demonstrate mastery of specific skills or knowledge areas through a standardized assessment process
- Can be earned through professional associations, training organizations, or educational institutions
- Provide recognition of expertise and can enhance professional credibility and marketability
- Examples: (North American Drama Therapy Association), (American Board of Examiners)
Experiential Learning
Internships and Residencies
- Internships provide hands-on learning opportunities within established applied theater organizations or programs
- Offer exposure to professional practices, mentorship from experienced practitioners, and opportunities to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings
- Can be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, and vary in duration from a few weeks to a year
- Examples: (Cornerstone Theater Company), (The Lark)
- are immersive, often project-based learning experiences that allow practitioners to focus on developing their craft or creating new work
- Can be hosted by theaters, arts organizations, universities, or community groups
- Provide dedicated time, space, and resources for creative exploration, skill development, and collaboration
- Examples: (The Orchard Project), (Arena Stage)
Action Research
- is a participatory, reflective process that combines inquiry and action to address real-world challenges and create positive change
- Involves collaborating with communities or groups to identify issues, gather data, implement interventions, and evaluate outcomes
- Allows practitioners to generate new knowledge, test theories, and refine their practice through hands-on engagement and critical reflection
- Examples: Using theatre to address bullying in schools, developing a community-based performance to raise awareness about environmental justice
Self-guided Development
Self-directed Learning and Skill-sharing
- Self-directed learning involves taking initiative and responsibility for one's own learning process, setting goals, identifying resources, and evaluating progress
- Allows practitioners to pursue individual interests, fill knowledge gaps, and adapt to changing needs and contexts
- Can involve reading books and articles, watching videos, attending conferences, or engaging in online courses and webinars
- Requires self-motivation, discipline, and the ability to seek out and utilize feedback
- Examples: Reading ": International Case Studies and Challenges for Practice," attending the Applied Theatre Conference
- Skill-sharing refers to the informal exchange of knowledge and skills among practitioners through peer-to-peer learning and collaboration
- Can occur through workshops, discussion groups, online forums, or mentoring relationships
- Allows practitioners to learn from each other's experiences, share best practices, and build supportive networks
- Fosters a sense of community and collective growth within the field
- Examples: Participating in an applied theatre Facebook group, attending a peer-led workshop on
Key Terms to Review (20)
Action research: Action research is a participatory and iterative process that combines action (change) and reflection (learning) to address issues in real-world settings. This approach emphasizes collaboration among stakeholders and encourages practitioners to actively engage in the research process, allowing them to assess their own practices, make informed decisions, and foster continuous improvement.
Applied theatre: Applied theatre refers to the use of theatrical practices and techniques in non-traditional settings for purposes such as education, community development, or social change. It often involves participation from the audience or community members, making it a collaborative process that seeks to address real-world issues through performance and storytelling. This form of theatre emphasizes the importance of skill development and ongoing learning as participants engage with content that reflects their lives and experiences.
Applied theatre with marginalized communities: Applied theatre with marginalized communities is a form of theatrical practice that uses performance to address social issues, empower underrepresented groups, and foster community engagement. This approach often prioritizes the voices and experiences of those who face systemic barriers, allowing them to express their stories and advocate for change. It connects participants through shared narratives, promoting skill development and continuing education as they navigate their social realities.
Artistic intern: An artistic intern is a student or recent graduate who works temporarily within a theater, arts organization, or production team to gain practical experience while contributing to artistic projects. This role often involves a combination of learning and hands-on work, allowing individuals to build skills in various aspects of theater production, from acting and directing to stage management and design.
Certifications: Certifications are formal recognitions or endorsements that demonstrate an individual's proficiency, skills, or knowledge in a specific area or profession. They are often obtained through examinations or assessments, and can enhance one's qualifications in the workforce. Certifications can also serve as a means of continuing education and skill development, validating an individual's commitment to professional growth and adaptability in an ever-changing job market.
Certified practitioner of psychodrama: A certified practitioner of psychodrama is a trained professional who uses psychodramatic techniques to facilitate therapeutic and educational experiences for individuals and groups. This certification indicates that the practitioner has met specific educational and experiential requirements, ensuring they are equipped to effectively utilize role-play, improvisation, and spontaneous dramatization to promote personal growth, self-awareness, and social change.
Community engagement residency: A community engagement residency is a structured program where artists or theater practitioners collaborate with local communities to create art that addresses social issues and fosters positive change. This residency focuses on building relationships, understanding community needs, and utilizing artistic practices to empower and engage participants in meaningful dialogue.
Devised theatre residency: A devised theatre residency is a collaborative process where artists, often including playwrights, directors, and performers, come together to create original work over an extended period of time. This form of theatre emphasizes collective creation and experimentation, allowing participants to develop new ideas and explore social issues through performance. Through this residency, individuals gain practical skills and foster professional development in a supportive environment, enhancing their abilities in storytelling and community engagement.
Education intern: An education intern is a person, often a college student or recent graduate, who participates in a temporary position within an educational setting to gain practical experience and enhance their skills. This role allows interns to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations while receiving mentorship from experienced educators. The experience gained through such internships is crucial for career development in the field of education and often leads to networking opportunities and improved job prospects.
Forum theatre techniques: Forum theatre techniques are interactive strategies used in applied theater to engage an audience in social issues through performance. This approach invites viewers to become active participants, suggesting changes to the action or storyline, thus fostering dialogue and exploration of potential solutions to societal problems. The essence of these techniques lies in their ability to create a safe space for discussion and empower individuals to express their thoughts and experiences related to the themes presented.
Graduate programs: Graduate programs are advanced academic courses of study that students pursue after completing an undergraduate degree, typically culminating in a master's or doctoral degree. These programs focus on specialized knowledge and skills, often incorporating research, practical experience, and a deeper exploration of specific fields. They play a vital role in continuing education and skill development, allowing individuals to enhance their expertise and career opportunities.
Internships: Internships are structured work experiences offered by employers to students and recent graduates, allowing them to gain practical skills and knowledge in a professional environment. They provide valuable opportunities for networking, mentorship, and hands-on experience, which can significantly enhance a participant's career prospects. Internships can be paid or unpaid and may be part-time or full-time, depending on the organization and the student’s schedule.
Ma in applied theatre: The MA in Applied Theatre is a graduate-level program that focuses on using theatrical techniques and practices to engage with social issues, communities, and audiences in meaningful ways. This degree equips students with the skills to apply drama and theater arts for education, social change, and community development, emphasizing the importance of creativity in various contexts.
MFA in Theatre for Youth: An MFA in Theatre for Youth is a Master of Fine Arts degree that focuses on creating and producing theatrical works specifically for young audiences. This program emphasizes the importance of understanding child development, educational practices, and the power of storytelling to engage and inspire youth through the performing arts. It equips graduates with the skills to create impactful theatre experiences that resonate with young audiences while also addressing relevant social issues.
Professional development courses: Professional development courses are structured learning opportunities designed to enhance an individual's skills, knowledge, and competencies in their field of work. These courses can cover a wide range of topics and may be offered through various formats, including workshops, seminars, online classes, or certification programs. They aim to keep professionals updated with industry trends, improve performance, and foster career advancement.
Registered drama therapist: A registered drama therapist is a professional who uses drama and performance techniques as a therapeutic tool to promote emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. This role involves utilizing the expressive arts to help individuals explore and address personal issues, enhance their self-awareness, and develop coping strategies. These therapists must be trained in both drama and therapeutic practices, ensuring they provide effective support in various settings.
Residencies: Residencies refer to structured programs that offer artists, educators, or organizations the opportunity to engage in intensive work within a specific environment, often focusing on skill development and community engagement. These programs can vary in duration and purpose but typically aim to enhance the professional development of participants through collaboration, mentorship, and access to resources, thereby fostering ongoing learning and growth.
Self-directed learning: Self-directed learning is an approach where individuals take the initiative in their own education, setting goals, finding resources, and assessing their own progress. This learning style emphasizes autonomy, allowing learners to tailor their educational experiences based on personal interests and needs. It fosters a lifelong learning mindset, encouraging individuals to continuously develop skills and knowledge independently.
Skill-sharing: Skill-sharing is the collaborative exchange of knowledge and expertise among individuals, where each participant contributes their unique skills to teach and learn from one another. This practice fosters a community-oriented approach to education, emphasizing peer-to-peer learning and empowerment through shared resources. By engaging in skill-sharing, individuals can enhance their personal and professional development while building meaningful connections within their communities.
Theatre of the oppressed facilitator training: Theatre of the Oppressed facilitator training is a process that equips individuals with the skills to lead workshops and create performances using techniques developed by Augusto Boal, aimed at empowering marginalized communities through participatory theatre. This training emphasizes critical dialogue, reflection, and action as means to challenge social injustices and promote collective problem-solving.