CONFERENCE SCHEDULE | 27
Scale , Scope , Structure : Centering Youth Voices from Proscenium to Playground Tracks : High School , PreK-8 , Youth Theatre Presenters : Amelia Hefferon & Andaiye Spencer Location : Currents ( Concourse ) – Swissotel Chicago
Have you ever seen a great production , participated in an inspiring workshop , or attended a galvanizing conference session but wondered about its applicability to your programming , or how you might adapt what you liked or learned to fit your organization ’ s or classroom ' s specific needs ? In this interactive session led by two program specialists from Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit , participants will learn about Mosaic ’ s unique approach to creating fresh , participant-centered work with the young artists in our various programs . We will discuss Mosaic ’ s programmatic tiers ( Discover , Explore , Immerse ) and how we apply our unique philosophy and core values at each level to meet every group of participants where they are while working toward a unified vision . We ’ ll dig into how we adapt session plans , thematic inquiries , and devising techniques to work across multiple levels of programming from mounting full-scale productions to school residency showcase performances to one-off theatre workshops at local parks and community centers . During this workshop , participants will get to know Mosaic ' s model and program offerings and engage in a fun theatre devising exercise . We ’ ll then use the results of that exercise as a hands-on , real-time example of how teaching artists , classroom teachers , and directors can apply varying levels of structure and scale to participant-created work to fit the developmental , spatial , temporal , and educational needs of different programs , groups , and projects . We will also show concrete examples from projects the young artists at Mosaic worked on this past season at all three levels ( Discover , Explore , Immerse ). Participants will walk away with concrete strategies to center youth creativity while working realistically within the bounds of time , resources , experience level , and budget . Join us for what ’ s sure to be a lively , strategic , and invigorating . workshop and discussion !
Sowing the Seeds of Shakespeare & Company ' s Fall Festival of Shakespeare Tracks : High School , Professional Theatre , Youth Theatre Presenters : Dr . Victoria Rhoades , Malena Carraro & Kevin Coleman Location : Alpine 2 ( Lucerne Level ) – Swissotel Chicago
The Fall Festival of Shakespeare began thirty-five years ago in Lenox , MA https :// shakespeare . org / education / fall-festival-of-shakespeare /. It has grown to become a nationally recognized program for adolescents serving hundreds of students from ten schools each year . Harvard ’ s Project Zero called it a model worthy of replication for its ability to ignite the social , emotional and cognitive learning in adolescents . Rhoades ’ research noted the ways in which replicating the model in even one school could have a profound impact on the lives of students . Students ’ written testimonials and a recently completed full-length documentary of the project ( Audience Award winner in BIFF ), highlight the ways in which the Festival fosters meaningful connection in a society sowing divisions . Students , parents , and Festival Directors name the importance of the ways in which the Festival honors celebration , support , and collaboration among all of its students across the ten schools , in educational systems that tend to emphasize competition and hierarchy . Students speak about the ways in which the Festival provides a safe haven for them to be their full authentic selves , while engaging their curiosity in the rich poetic landscape and the complex world of Shakespeare . Most of all , the Festival is about the ways in which students come to a deeper understanding of themselves , of one another , and of what it means to be human in our world today . This interactive workshop will engage participants in core elements of the Fall Festival method that can be integrated into existing working environments . We invite you to bring your imagination , curiosity and willingness to play . We will address the ways in which a white male writer from Elizabethan England can resonate with young people of today . We will play games and learn tools so you might plant seeds into your own work or for the possibility of a full-fledged Festival one day in your own community .
Updated 7.17.24