ERIC Number: ED340983
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1991
Pages: 32
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
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Available Date: N/A
Interactive Theater: Its Use with Adolescents.
Smith, Susan P.
Interactive theater typically involves the presentation of a short skit tied to a socially relevant issue such as teenage pregnancy or the use of illegal substances. Interactive theater, with some cautions considered, holds much promise as an educational tool to be used by a school counselor. Cautions requiring consideration include: thorough education of cast members around skit topics; extensive time commitment of cast members and advisor; advisor must have skills to effectively facilitate a meaningful dialogue during the audience participation; and there must be available support for impacted audience members. Interactive theater has been shown to be both beneficial to the audience and cast members in these ways: (1) lines of communication on difficult social issues are opened in non-threatening ways; (2) valuable educational information is provided and the possibility of increased use of medical services is evidenced; (3) cast members are provided with a support group for dealing with personal issues; and (4) cast members have been shown to gain in self-esteem due to their participation in interactive theater groups. Interactive theater offers a viable means of providing education about difficult social issues for adolescents. Having a knowledge of interactive theater can be important for school counselors who struggle to effectively meet the challenge of educating students so that they are adequately prepared to meet the demands they face in society. (ABL)
Publication Type: Information Analyses; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A