Applied theater practitioners need ongoing education to stay sharp. From to workshops, to , there are many ways to level up your skills and knowledge in this dynamic field.
and are also crucial. Reading books, attending conferences, and collaborating with peers help you grow as a practitioner and contribute to the collective wisdom of the applied theater community.
Formal Education
Graduate Programs and Professional Development Courses
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Professional Development Framework Overview - National Resource Hub View original
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Graduate programs provide advanced education and training in applied theater through master's or doctoral degrees
Can be research-based (MA, MS, PhD) or practice-based (MFA)
Offer specialized courses, mentorship, and opportunities for in-depth study and research
Examples: (CUNY), (ASU)
are shorter, targeted learning experiences that focus on specific skills or topics relevant to applied theater practitioners
Often offered through universities, professional associations, or training organizations
Can be in-person or online, ranging from one-day workshops to multi-week intensives
Provide opportunities to learn from experts, network with peers, and gain practical skills
Examples: (NYU), (Mandala Center)
Certifications
Certifications demonstrate mastery of specific skills or knowledge areas through a standardized assessment process
Can be earned through professional associations, training organizations, or educational institutions
Provide recognition of expertise and can enhance professional credibility and marketability
Examples: (North American Drama Therapy Association), (American Board of Examiners)
Experiential Learning
Internships and Residencies
Internships provide hands-on learning opportunities within established applied theater organizations or programs
Offer exposure to professional practices, mentorship from experienced practitioners, and opportunities to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings
Can be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, and vary in duration from a few weeks to a year
Examples: (Cornerstone Theater Company), (The Lark)
are immersive, often project-based learning experiences that allow practitioners to focus on developing their craft or creating new work
Can be hosted by theaters, arts organizations, universities, or community groups
Provide dedicated time, space, and resources for creative exploration, skill development, and collaboration
Examples: (The Orchard Project), (Arena Stage)
Action Research
is a participatory, reflective process that combines inquiry and action to address real-world challenges and create positive change
Involves collaborating with communities or groups to identify issues, gather data, implement interventions, and evaluate outcomes
Allows practitioners to generate new knowledge, test theories, and refine their practice through hands-on engagement and critical reflection
Examples: Using theatre to address bullying in schools, developing a community-based performance to raise awareness about environmental justice
Self-guided Development
Self-directed Learning and Skill-sharing
Self-directed learning involves taking initiative and responsibility for one's own learning process, setting goals, identifying resources, and evaluating progress
Allows practitioners to pursue individual interests, fill knowledge gaps, and adapt to changing needs and contexts
Can involve reading books and articles, watching videos, attending conferences, or engaging in online courses and webinars
Requires self-motivation, discipline, and the ability to seek out and utilize feedback
Examples: Reading ": International Case Studies and Challenges for Practice," attending the Applied Theatre Conference
Skill-sharing refers to the informal exchange of knowledge and skills among practitioners through peer-to-peer learning and collaboration
Can occur through workshops, discussion groups, online forums, or mentoring relationships
Allows practitioners to learn from each other's experiences, share best practices, and build supportive networks
Fosters a sense of community and collective growth within the field
Examples: Participating in an applied theatre Facebook group, attending a peer-led workshop on