Restorative Theatre Youth Programs (Prevention/Intervention)


Participants: High-risk youth, Incarcerated youth, General student population

The program is broken into three parts: Ensemble work, Improvisational Theatre, Activating Theatre 

Ensemble Work: The first level of the program is to create a safe space, common language, and get a general understanding of the dynamics of the group and what to expect within the program. During this process participants will gain skills in communication and critical thinking.

Improvisational Theatre: Participants will learn the basic rules of Improvisational Theatre through exercises and games.  Once an understanding of basic improv is mastered participants will then practice extended improv.  During this part of the program participants will continue to heighten communication and critical thinking skills as well as imagination and heightened self esteem.

Activating Theatre (a term coined by Michael Rohd) : In the final portion of the program participants will build on extended improv skills to create scenes that elicit role-play and give opportunity to explore different outcomes. They will then have the ability to expand their work to peers through performance of created scenes. Scenes can examine topics such as bullying, peer pressure, family life, diversity, sexual harassment/assault, healthy relationships, LGBTQ awareness, mental health, bystander prevention and internet safety.