5.3 Engaging Politicians and Decision-Makers

Legislative Theatre uses performance to influence policy. It's a powerful tool for engaging politicians and decision-makers on important issues. By inviting them to shows or workshops, theater can spark meaningful dialogue and action.

This approach goes beyond traditional lobbying. It uses emotional storytelling and interactive experiences to deepen understanding. Politicians can gain new perspectives on complex problems, leading to more informed and empathetic policymaking.

Political Engagement Strategies

Lobbying and Outreach through Theatre

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  Opinion: Why and how to debate climate change | University of Cambridge View original

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Top images from around the web for Lobbying and Outreach through Theatre

• 

  Art after Occupy — climate justice, BDS and beyond - Waging Nonviolence View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Opinion: Why and how to debate climate change | University of Cambridge View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Education for climate justice in Scotland – Childhood and Youth Studies View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Art after Occupy — climate justice, BDS and beyond - Waging Nonviolence View original

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• 

  Opinion: Why and how to debate climate change | University of Cambridge View original

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• Lobbying through theatre involves using theatrical performances to influence politicians and decision-makers on specific issues or policies
• Theatre can be an effective lobbying tool by emotionally engaging policymakers and presenting compelling arguments in a creative format
• Political outreach includes inviting politicians to attend performances, sending scripts or recordings, and following up with targeted messaging
• Theatrical outreach can raise awareness among policymakers and encourage them to take action on the issues presented (climate change, social justice)

Policymaker Participation and Workshops

• Policymaker participation involves directly involving politicians in the theatrical process through interactive performances or workshops
• Inviting policymakers to participate in performances can deepen their understanding of the issues and create a sense of personal investment
• Legislative workshops bring together theatre practitioners and policymakers to collaboratively develop policy ideas and solutions
• Workshops can include script readings, improvisational exercises, and facilitated discussions to generate innovative policy approaches (healthcare reform, education policy)

Public Dialogue and Advocacy

Civic Dialogue through Performance

• Civic dialogue refers to engaging the public in discussions about social and political issues through theatre
• Performances can serve as a catalyst for community conversations by presenting multiple perspectives and encouraging audience reflection
• Post-performance discussions, talkbacks, and facilitated dialogues can deepen the impact of civic dialogue (community policing, immigration)
• Civic dialogue through theatre aims to foster understanding, empathy, and collective problem-solving among diverse audiences

Public Forums and Advocacy

• Public forums involve presenting theatrical works in community settings to raise awareness and inspire action on specific issues
• Forums can take place in schools, community centers, public spaces, or online platforms to reach a wide audience
• Advocacy performances are designed to mobilize public support for specific causes or policy changes
• Advocacy through theatre can include calls to action, petitions, or connecting audiences with relevant organizations and resources (voter registration, environmental advocacy)
• Public performances can generate media attention and public pressure to influence policymakers and decision-makers