13.4 Continuing Education and Skill Development

Applied theater practitioners need ongoing education to stay sharp. From graduate programs to workshops, certifications to internships, there are many ways to level up your skills and knowledge in this dynamic field.

Self-directed learning and skill-sharing 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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• 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: MA in Applied Theatre (CUNY), MFA in Theatre for Youth (ASU)
• Professional development courses 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: Applied Theatre with Marginalized Communities (NYU), Theatre of the Oppressed Facilitator Training (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: Registered Drama Therapist (North American Drama Therapy Association), Certified Practitioner of Psychodrama (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: Education Intern (Cornerstone Theater Company), Artistic Intern (The Lark)
• Residencies 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: Devised Theatre Residency (The Orchard Project), Community Engagement Residency (Arena Stage)

Action Research

• 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 "Applied Theatre: 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 forum theatre techniques