Methodology: A Drama-based Approach
We believe that theatre performance and drama are powerful and effective tools for inviting individuals to examine their own behaviour and acting as a catalyst for promoting personal development and change.
The main benefits of using theatre and drama are:
- sessions are active and experiential – participants are ‘learning by doing’ which ensures that learning is more memorable and integrated than purely discussion based techniques
- theatre provides opportunities for participants to actively explore situations closely related to their own life experiences
- active engagement in sessions ensures that participants are able to challenge their own thinking by identifying with other perspectives and other people’s points of view
- scene work and role play are problem solving tools: a means of actively finding new solutions and strategies to replace old behaviours and a forum to practise and rehearse new skills
- programmes become accessible to all, regardless of literacy level
- participants experience working positively within a group setting and are enabled to develop good relationships with other group members
Our experience suggests that our projects also:
- increase participants motivation to engage with other learning and development opportunities
- create a positive buzz within the establishment, agency or community
- offers participants a non-threatening and positive experience of the arts