Introduction to Applied Theatre

Theatre practice and applied theatre are areas of growing international interest. Applied Theatre is the first study to assist practitioners and students to develop critical frameworks for planning and implementing their own theatrical projects. This reader-friendly text considers an international range of case studies in applied theatre through discussion questions, practical activities and detailed analysis of specific theatre projects globally. In addition, the collection gathers together essential readings from many different sources to provide a comprehensive international survey of the field. Saxton and Prendergast infuse the text with a historical and theoretical overview of practical theatre and conclude each case study with useful suggestions for hands-on activities and additional readings. Compiled across five continents, the case studies cover a wide range of disciplines from theatre studies to education, medicine and law. Key issues explored are the balance of artistry and aesthetics, participation, ethics, as well as safety and assessment in theatre. With their background in drama education and pedagogy, the authors offer clear developmental approaches that transfer directly into practice and a critical model of audience education, applicable to both mainstream and applied theatre contexts. The book encourages students and practitioners to acquire a deeper, more concrete understanding of applied theatre.