Course, workshop use applied performance to educate
December 2024 – A Drew University course is exposing students to the field of applied theatre and experiential education with a focus on consent.
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The course, which falls under both the theatre arts and women’s and gender studies programs at Drew, cultivates facilitation skills, explores various applied theatre models, and creates and implements an education and advocacy workshop on sexual consent, identity, and community.
“The class teaches students how to communicate, to set personal boundaries, and to use creativity to address sensitive issues,” said Lisa Brenner, professor of theatre arts, who teaches the course.
The students in the course developed and facilitated a free workshop for the Drew community that emphasized effective communication and setting boundaries around sexual consent through exercises and interactive improvisation.
“What’s great about the performing arts is that it’s both active and interactive,” added Brenner. “Rather than only listening to lectures, these workshops get people engaged. It also taps into our bodily intelligence—to learn to listen and respect what is going on physically, emotionally, and intellectually.”
The course is offered every fall semester and is one of two signature courses in the applied performance minor. The other course mentors Newark high school students through the arts.