Influence Through Community Theatre
Short description
Project title: Influence Through Community Theatre: A Study about adolescents’ agency in local society
This study examines how locally rooted theatre practices, community theatre can promote agency in local issues and challenges among adolescents. This matters as over 40% of young people aged 16-25 express that they want to influence local decisions, while only 16% in the age group feel that they have an impact. Meanwhile, research shows that community theatre can foster civic engagement among participants and audiences alike. The study therefore includes a practice development part.
The study focuses on three theatre groups that have strong local connections and base their artistic work on the lived experiences of young people. Operating in urban and rural contexts, the groups work at the intersection of art, pedagogy, and social change. The study also includes a practice-development component, in which researchers and performing arts practitioners collaboratively will explore ways to enhance theatre work with and for young people.
Community Theatre and Young People’s Agency
This study examines how community theatre can empower young people. 'Agency' refers to young people’s actual influence on issues affecting their everyday lives, as well as their sense of being co-creators of their own life worlds.
Community theatre is often situated in a particular location and a group of individuals who lack obvious channels for political influence. The work is based on an extended, exploratory process that is rooted in the participants' experiences and daily lives. These are then examined, discussed and embodied through drama. With the guidance of a professional artist, these narratives are developed into a theatre production intended to spark further dialogue with other groups in society affected by similar issues.
Community theatre often involves people who do not usually participate in artistic activities, and it raises awareness of local issues. The study links this to children’s and young people’s right to express their views and influence matters that affect them, as well as their right to practise art and participate in cultural life.
Previous research shows that participation in community theatre can lead to broader civic engagement, such as involvement in associations and local initiatives. However, there has been little research into how this engagement is established and developed over time. This study seeks to address this gap.
Aims and Practice Component
The study aims to expand our understanding of the potential of community theatre to empower young people. As community theatre often engages participants who would not otherwise engage in either political or artistic contexts, the project will investigate what motivates young people to participate in theatre. The study also examines how community theatre can contribute to a more vibrant local community.
In light of the need for new methods to engage a broader range of citizens within civil society, the project includes a practice-development component. This involves systematically testing and evaluating different theatre methods to generate knowledge about how theatrical working processes can empower young people.
This study is part of the Applied Theatre research field.
