CONFERENCE PROGRAM - 6.24.24 | Page 22

Updated 7.17.24
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE | 22
Shakespeare " even when resources for a full production are not readily available . This workshop serves a dual purpose : firstly , it advocates for a context-centered approach to teaching theatre history , emphasizing the necessity of understanding a play ' s historical and cultural backdrop . Secondly , it explores how technologybased solutions can decenter the text , providing a more personalized experience with plays that have often been decontextualized from the lives of young students .
Understanding the Agogic Moment and Inspiring Agents of Change Tracks : Applied Theatre , College / University , High School , Professional Theatre , Research / Scholarship , Youth Theatre Presenter : Todd Farley Location : Zermatt / Gstaad ( Lucerne Level ) – Swissotel Chicago
Join us for a compelling 75-minute workshop that delves into the heart of educational transformation through the arts , focusing on high school theater as a potent tool for social and personal change . This session is designed for educators eager to explore innovative ways to empower their students as agents of change . Segment 1 : Our journey begins with an exploration of the Agogic Moment â €“ a pivotal point of realization and change . Participants will gain a deep understanding of this concept and its critical role in the transformative process . We ' ll discuss how to facilitate these moments in an educational setting , using theater as a dynamic medium . Segment 2 : A key highlight is the analysis of the 1998 film adaptation of " Les Miserable ." This case study exemplifies the Agogic Moment in a narrative context , offering insights into how such powerful stories can be translated into classroom activities and discussions to evoke transformative learning experiences . Segment 3 : Emphasizing emotional engagement , the workshop integrates Lazarus ’ theory of emotional responses , exploring how emotions elicited through theater can significantly impact students ’ learning and understanding . This segment provides educators with a framework to guide student emotions towards cognitive and motivational development . Segment 4 : Practicality is at the core of this workshop , offering educators hands-on strategies to develop theater projects that encourage social change . Participants will learn effective methods to engage students in these projects , fostering a creative and empathetic learning environment . Segment 5 : The session concludes with an interactive Q & A , allowing for a reflective discussion and exchange of ideas . Attendees will leave with not only a theoretical understanding of the Agogic Moment and its application in theater education but also practical tools and inspiration to implement these concepts in their classrooms . This workshop is an wonderful opportunity for educators to harness the transformative power of theater in shaping the perspectives and actions of high school students .
A Study in Scening : Mining Truth in Relationship through Improvisation Track : College / University Presenters : Lawrence Grimm , Lauren Katz & Joey Slotnick Location : Neuchatel - 315 ( 3 rd Floor ) – Swissotel Chicago
SESSION BLOCK 6 Friday , 5:15pm-6:30pm
One of the greatest stumbling blocks for young actors whether in the classical realm or with contemporary naturalism , is that they play at their character with the often false assumption that creating the truth requires a journey far beyond themselves . Often students will nobly play ideas of characters rather than crafting nuanced realities of a complex human specific to a time and place . But what happens when even the strongest imagination can ' t unlock one ' s magic " as if " to understand the stakes of getting back to Moscow , or well intentioned dramaturgy immerses us in a text-book understanding of Elizabethean politics that makes for an inspiring history lesson but will not help our young actor keep the back row awake ? Is there a short-cut to providing a dynamism on stage that doesn ' t involve us saying " you ' ll understand this so much more when you are older ."? The ultimate antidote to playing broad and external characterizations on campus can be found in a sophisticated style of improvisation which grounds dramatic relationships in acute partner awareness . Psychological realism and its truths are bridged via the improvisational priorities of empathy , archetype , status ,