Updated 7.17.24
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE | 18
Observation and Student Modeling : a framework for risk taking and vulnerability in the theater classroom Track : PreK-8 Presenter : Emily Waniewski Location : Ticino - 310 ( 3 rd Floor ) – Swissotel Chicago
Creating a space for intentional , student-centered learning starts with a framework that defines how we will work together in the class . In this participatory workshop , Emily Waniewski will demonstrate a framework of observation , student modeling , and peer feedback through low-focus theater activities as a structure to foster student voice , vulnerability , and risk taking . This adaptable framework can be applied to the kindergarten to 8th grade classroom as well as other disciplines and art forms . Participants will have the opportunity to apply the framework to their own practice and learn from one another .
Relearning to Play : Devising Theatre for the Very Young with Teens Tracks : High School , Playwriting , Youth Theatre Presenters : Claire Derriennic & Renita James Location : Currents ( Concourse ) – Swissotel Chicago
Defining theatre for the very young ( TVY ), Adrienne Kapstein and Thalia R . Goldstein write , “ there is nothing more avant-garde than a child ’ s imagination , and artists who make work for babies and young children embrace the innate imaginative capabilities of childhood . Therefore , a distinguishing feature of TVY is its ’ playful resistance to generic categorization ” ( 52 ). How can makers of theatre with teens activate the “ playful resistance ” of TVY to root change in our field ? How might centering play in our work disrupt limiting perfectionist norms ? And how might play create space to imagine more liberatory ways of working with teen artists ? This workshop will explore methods of co-creating theatre for the very young with teen devisers . Presenters Renita James and Claire Derriennic will share takeaways , methods , and resources from their own work generating material for ages 0-5 with teens at The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta and ZACH Theatre in Austin . Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to try TVY devising exercises . Participants will then formulate and share plans to devise TVY with teens in their own communities . Join us as we explore the potential of TVY devising to support teens and adults alike in relearning to play !
Student-Centered : Equity , Access , and Empowerment in the Theatre Classroom Track : High School Presenter : Jess Shaw Location : Lucerne 3 ( Lucerne Level ) – Swissotel Chicago
What is student-centered curriculum and what does it look like in a theatre classroom ? Come learn how making things student-centered allows for more accessibility and equity while also equipping our student artists to be changemakers . Attendees will leave with proven student-centered projects that can immediately be applied to a variety of different learning environments and classroom types .
Theatre-Centered Community Building Track : Youth Theatre Presenter : Marcela Rodriguez-Gonzalez Location : Zermatt / Gstaad ( Lucerne Level ) – Swissotel Chicago
How can you use the theatre as a tool for social action , empowerment , and the development of your school or community ? Learn how Cleveland Play House ’ s Creative Community Building program has worked with community members , developing a community dramaturgy program to cultivate theatre programs that celebrate the culture and diversity of schools and neighborhoods . Through these programs , we have created opportunities for families to connect with social resources using the theatre as a bridge . In this session , you will reflect on how the lives of students and community members are made better by the artistic work you produce in your organization ; you will understand how to build an arts-centered community with people and not for