13.1 Roles in Applied Theater and Social Change
3 min read•august 6, 2024
Applied theater uses performance to spark social change. This section explores the diverse roles within the field, from facilitators and directors to therapists and researchers.
These roles require unique skills like adaptability, community engagement, and creative problem-solving. Understanding these career paths helps aspiring practitioners find their niche in applied theater's transformative work.
Leadership Roles
Facilitating and Directing Applied Theater
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- Facilitators guide participants through the creative process, helping them explore issues, develop skills, and create meaningful performances
- Directors oversee the artistic vision and practical execution of applied theater projects, working closely with participants, collaborators, and communities
- Teaching Artists combine their artistic expertise with educational skills to lead workshops, classes, and projects that use theater as a tool for learning and growth ('s )
- Community Organizers use applied theater techniques to engage communities in dialogue, action, and around social issues that affect them (Sojourn Theatre's community-engaged projects)
Key Skills for Leadership Roles in Applied Theater
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build trust, facilitate dialogue, and navigate complex group dynamics
- Adaptability and flexibility to respond to the needs and interests of diverse participants and communities
- Deep understanding of the power of theater as a tool for social change, education, and personal growth
- Ability to design and lead engaging, inclusive, and transformative theater processes that align with project goals and participant needs (devising, , )
Therapeutic and Support Roles
Dramatherapy and Social Work in Applied Theater
- Dramatherapists use theater techniques as a form of psychotherapy to help individuals and groups address emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges (, , projection)
- Social Workers in applied theater settings provide support, advocacy, and resources to help participants navigate personal and systemic challenges that arise through the creative process
- Arts Administrators handle the logistical, financial, and organizational aspects of applied theater projects, ensuring that programs are well-resourced, sustainable, and impactful
Key Skills for Therapeutic and Support Roles
- Knowledge of psychological theories, therapeutic techniques, and best practices in mental health and social work
- Ability to create safe, supportive, and inclusive spaces that foster healing, growth, and empowerment
- Strong organizational, administrative, and fundraising skills to develop and sustain applied theater programs (, , )
- Commitment to ethical practice, cultural competence, and in all aspects of applied theater work
Research and Advocacy Roles
Researching and Advocating for Applied Theater
- Researchers study the impacts, best practices, and theoretical foundations of applied theater, contributing to the field's knowledge base and evolution (, )
- Policy Advocates use research findings and community input to lobby for policies, funding, and support that advance the field of applied theater and its social change goals
- Playwrights create original works that explore social issues, give voice to marginalized perspectives, and inspire dialogue and action ('s )
Key Skills for Research and Advocacy Roles
- Strong research design, data collection, and analysis skills to rigorously study applied theater practices and impacts
- Ability to communicate research findings in clear, compelling, and accessible ways to diverse audiences (policymakers, practitioners, communities)
- Deep understanding of the policy landscape, advocacy strategies, and power dynamics that shape the field of applied theater
- Creativity and critical thinking skills to develop innovative, thought-provoking, and socially engaged theatrical works that push the boundaries of the field (, )
Key Terms to Review (28)
Advocacy: Advocacy is the act of supporting or recommending a cause, policy, or change to influence public opinion and decision-making. In the context of theater, advocacy often involves using performance as a means to raise awareness, engage audiences, and prompt action on social issues, enabling a powerful dialogue between performers and the community. This connection enhances the potential for change by transforming audiences into active participants in discussions surrounding relevant legislative and policy matters.
Anna deavere smith: Anna Deavere Smith is a renowned American actress, playwright, and professor known for her innovative approach to documentary theater. She captures real-life experiences and transforms them into compelling performances that highlight social issues, making her work a vital part of applied theater and social change.
Arts administrator: An arts administrator is a professional who manages the business aspects of arts organizations, such as theaters, galleries, and cultural institutions. They play a crucial role in ensuring the effective operation of these organizations by overseeing finances, marketing, fundraising, and community engagement initiatives. This position is essential for creating an environment where artists and performers can thrive while also fostering community involvement in the arts.
Augusto Boal: Augusto Boal was a Brazilian theater director, writer, and politician, best known for developing the Theatre of the Oppressed, a revolutionary form of theater that aims to promote social change and empower marginalized communities. His work is deeply connected to various methods of interactive theater that encourage audience participation and engagement, as well as challenge traditional power dynamics in society.
Budgeting: Budgeting is the process of creating a plan to manage financial resources effectively over a specific period. It involves estimating income and expenses to ensure that resources are allocated appropriately, making it crucial for the financial health of projects. By outlining expected costs and revenues, budgeting aids in decision-making and helps secure funding, ensuring that applied theater initiatives can be implemented sustainably.
Community organizer: A community organizer is a person who actively engages with and mobilizes community members to address social issues and promote social change. This role involves identifying community needs, fostering collaboration, and empowering individuals to take collective action. Community organizers often serve as facilitators, connecting people with resources and opportunities while promoting grassroots participation in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Devised theater: Devised theater is a collaborative and creative process where a performance is created collectively by a group of artists, rather than being based on a pre-existing script. This approach allows for the blending of various artistic disciplines, encourages innovative storytelling, and often focuses on social issues or community engagement, making it an essential method in contemporary theater.
Director: In the context of theater, a director is the individual responsible for the overall vision and execution of a theatrical production. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities including interpreting the script, guiding actors in their performances, and collaborating with designers to create the visual and auditory aspects of the show. The director's leadership is crucial in shaping the thematic and emotional tone of the performance, ensuring that all elements work together harmoniously to deliver a compelling story to the audience.
Documentary theater: Documentary theater is a form of theater that uses real-life materials and factual accounts to tell stories, often focusing on social issues, historical events, or personal narratives. This genre seeks to blend art with activism by presenting actual interviews, texts, and documents on stage, creating a powerful emotional impact and raising awareness about important topics.
Dramatherapist: A dramatherapist is a trained professional who uses drama and theater techniques as a therapeutic tool to facilitate personal growth, healing, and social change. They combine the principles of psychology with the expressive elements of drama, helping individuals and groups explore their emotions, experiences, and identities through performance and storytelling. This practice often involves using role-play, improvisation, and scripted material to address personal issues or social concerns in a safe and supportive environment.
Embodiment: Embodiment refers to the physical manifestation of ideas, emotions, and experiences through the body in a performative context. It emphasizes the connection between the mind and body, allowing performers to convey complex narratives and social messages in an impactful way. In various practices, embodiment serves as a bridge that translates personal or collective stories into visual and physical forms, enhancing the audience's understanding and engagement.
Ethnographic studies: Ethnographic studies are a qualitative research method focused on understanding the cultural practices, beliefs, and social interactions of specific communities or groups through immersive observation and participation. This approach provides in-depth insights into the everyday lives of individuals, helping to uncover the meanings and contexts behind their actions and experiences, which is crucial in applied theater and social change work.
Facilitator: A facilitator is a person who guides a group through a process, helping to foster communication, understanding, and collaboration among participants. In the context of theater practices, facilitators play a critical role in creating a safe space for dialogue and exploration, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued while steering the group towards shared goals.
Grant writing: Grant writing is the process of creating proposals to secure funding from government agencies, foundations, or other organizations to support specific projects or programs. This process involves articulating the goals and objectives of a project, detailing the methods and activities planned, and demonstrating the potential impact and sustainability of the project. Effective grant writing requires a clear understanding of the funder's priorities and guidelines to align the proposal with their interests.
Improvisation: Improvisation is the spontaneous creation of dialogue, movement, or action without a pre-planned script or predetermined outcome. This technique fosters creativity, adaptability, and collaboration, allowing performers to respond dynamically to their environment and each other, which is essential in various forms of theater and social change practices.
Participatory Performance: Participatory performance is a form of theater that actively engages the audience in the creative process, inviting them to become co-creators and contributors rather than just passive observers. This approach fosters dialogue, reflection, and a sense of community, allowing participants to explore social issues and personal experiences through collaborative storytelling and action. It is particularly relevant in contexts that aim to incite social change, as it empowers individuals to voice their perspectives and influences collective action.
Partnership building: Partnership building refers to the process of establishing collaborative relationships between individuals, organizations, or communities to work towards a common goal, often related to social change and applied theater. It involves creating trust, mutual respect, and shared vision, which can enhance the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at addressing social issues. Effective partnership building also focuses on equitable participation and resource sharing among all parties involved.
Playwright: A playwright is a person who writes plays, crafting dialogue, characters, and plots for theatrical performance. They play a crucial role in theater by addressing social issues and provoking thought through their work, often reflecting or challenging societal norms and values.
Policy advocate: A policy advocate is an individual or organization that actively promotes specific policies or changes within governmental or organizational structures to address social issues. These advocates use various strategies, including research, public speaking, and grassroots mobilization, to influence decision-makers and bring about change in laws or regulations that affect communities.
Program evaluations: Program evaluations are systematic assessments designed to measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of programs, especially in social contexts. They help organizations understand whether their initiatives achieve intended outcomes and guide future decisions regarding program modifications or funding. This process often includes collecting data through various methods such as surveys, interviews, and observations to analyze how well a program meets its goals and serves its target audience.
Researcher: A researcher is an individual who systematically investigates a subject to discover or revise facts, theories, or applications. In the context of applied theater and social change, researchers gather data, analyze community needs, and evaluate the impact of artistic interventions on social issues, playing a crucial role in informing practice and enhancing the effectiveness of projects.
Role-play: Role-play is an interactive method where participants act out characters or scenarios to explore and address social issues, enhance empathy, and foster understanding. It involves taking on roles that may differ from one's everyday life, allowing for experimentation with behaviors and perspectives in a safe environment. This technique is essential for engagement and learning in community settings and applied theater, as it encourages individuals to embody different viewpoints and experiences.
Social Justice: Social justice refers to the pursuit of a society in which all individuals have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources, as well as fair treatment regardless of their background or identity. This concept emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic inequalities and injustices through various means, including activism, policy reform, and community engagement, all of which can be expressed through the arts, particularly theater.
Social Worker: A social worker is a trained professional who helps individuals, families, and communities to improve their well-being and address challenges in their lives. This role often involves providing support, resources, and interventions that promote social justice and empowerment. In the context of applied theater and social change, social workers collaborate with artists and community members to create meaningful performances that raise awareness and drive change around social issues.
Storytelling: Storytelling is the art of conveying events, experiences, or ideas through narrative, often using performance elements to engage and connect with an audience. In various contexts, it serves as a powerful tool for reflection, communication, and transformation, allowing individuals and communities to share their truths and foster understanding.
Teaching Artist: A teaching artist is a skilled practitioner in the arts who works within educational settings, using their artistic expertise to enhance learning experiences and foster creativity among students. They often blend their roles as educators and artists, providing unique insights into the artistic process while facilitating art-making activities that promote social change, self-expression, and critical thinking.
Theater of the oppressed: Theater of the Oppressed is a form of interactive theater created by Brazilian director Augusto Boal, aimed at empowering marginalized communities to express their realities and inspire social change. This approach transforms the audience into 'spect-actors,' allowing them to engage with the performance, identify social issues, and explore solutions in a collaborative manner.
Verbatim theater: Verbatim theater is a form of documentary theater that uses the exact words of real people, typically gathered through interviews or recorded testimonies, to create a script. This approach allows for the authentic voices and experiences of individuals to be represented on stage, often highlighting social issues and fostering empathy within audiences. By presenting unaltered dialogues, verbatim theater connects deeply with themes of representation and social change, often addressing community needs while balancing artistic integrity.