5.2 Creating Policy-Focused Performances

Policy-focused performances are powerful tools for influencing legislation. By combining thorough research, stakeholder engagement, and interactive scenarios, these performances bring complex issues to life, making them relatable and urgent for audiences.

Through compelling scripts and audience participation, policy-focused performances create emotional connections to issues. This approach empowers viewers to think critically about policy choices, inspiring them to support and advocate for meaningful legislative change.

Issue Analysis and Research

Identifying and Analyzing Issues

Top images from around the web for Identifying and Analyzing Issues

• 

  Introduction to Problem Solving Skills | CCMIT View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Reading: SWOT Analysis | Introduction to Marketing View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  10.1: Reading- The Marketing Research Process - Business LibreTexts View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Introduction to Problem Solving Skills | CCMIT View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Reading: SWOT Analysis | Introduction to Marketing View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Identifying and Analyzing Issues

• 

  Introduction to Problem Solving Skills | CCMIT View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Reading: SWOT Analysis | Introduction to Marketing View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  10.1: Reading- The Marketing Research Process - Business LibreTexts View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Introduction to Problem Solving Skills | CCMIT View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Reading: SWOT Analysis | Introduction to Marketing View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Recognize and define the specific issue or problem to be addressed through policy-focused performance
• Conduct thorough research to gather relevant data, statistics, and background information on the identified issue
• Analyze the root causes, contributing factors, and potential consequences of the issue to gain a comprehensive understanding
• Identify the affected populations and communities most impacted by the issue (low-income families, marginalized groups)

Stakeholder Identification and Engagement

• Identify key stakeholders involved in or affected by the issue, including policymakers, community leaders, advocacy groups, and individuals
• Conduct stakeholder analysis to understand their perspectives, interests, and potential roles in addressing the issue
• Engage stakeholders through interviews, focus groups, or surveys to gather their insights, experiences, and recommendations
• Build partnerships and collaborations with relevant stakeholders to ensure diverse representation and support for the policy-focused performance

Researching Policy Landscape and Alternatives

• Research existing policies, laws, and regulations related to the identified issue to understand the current policy landscape
• Analyze the effectiveness, limitations, and unintended consequences of current policies in addressing the issue
• Identify policy gaps, loopholes, or areas where current policies fall short in providing adequate solutions
• Explore alternative policy approaches, best practices, and successful interventions implemented in other contexts (case studies from other regions or countries)
• Develop a range of policy alternatives or recommendations based on the research findings and stakeholder input

Dramatic Scripting and Scenarios

Crafting Compelling Scripts and Narratives

• Develop a script or narrative that effectively communicates the identified issue, its impact on individuals and communities, and the need for policy change
• Use storytelling techniques, such as character development, conflict, and resolution, to create engaging and emotionally resonant scripts
• Incorporate real-life experiences, testimonials, and data-driven insights into the script to enhance authenticity and credibility
• Ensure the script highlights the human dimensions of the issue and evokes empathy and understanding among the audience

Designing Interactive Scenarios and Audience Participation

• Create interactive scenarios that allow the audience to actively participate in the performance and explore different policy choices and their consequences
• Design role-playing exercises or simulations where audience members assume the roles of policymakers, stakeholders, or affected individuals
• Incorporate decision-making points or dilemmas within the scenarios to stimulate critical thinking and encourage audience members to consider multiple perspectives
• Provide opportunities for audience feedback, discussion, and reflection throughout the interactive scenarios

Engaging and Empowering the Audience

• Develop strategies to actively engage the audience in the performance, such as using participatory theater techniques (forum theater, image theater)
• Encourage audience members to share their own experiences, insights, and ideas related to the issue and potential policy solutions
• Facilitate post-performance discussions or workshops to deepen the audience's understanding of the issue and inspire them to take action
• Provide resources, information, and actionable steps for audience members to get involved in advocacy efforts or support policy change initiatives

Policy Proposals

Developing Legislative Proposals and Recommendations

• Synthesize the insights gained from issue analysis, research, stakeholder engagement, and audience feedback to inform policy proposals
• Develop specific, actionable legislative proposals that address the identified issue and aim to bring about positive change
• Ensure the proposals are feasible, evidence-based, and aligned with the goals and values of the affected communities
• Clearly articulate the objectives, provisions, and expected outcomes of each legislative proposal
• Provide supporting evidence, data, and case studies to strengthen the rationale and justification for the proposed policies
• Identify potential challenges, limitations, or unintended consequences of the proposals and propose mitigation strategies
• Engage policymakers, experts, and stakeholders in reviewing and refining the legislative proposals to ensure their effectiveness and practicality