METHODOLOGY
There is a wealth of evidence showing that involvement in theatre and drama often has lasting effects on the social development of a wide spectrum of participants. This involvement can improve participants’ sense of self-worth, their respect for and co-operation with others, and their self-determination.
Drama-based methods harness the power of ‘learning by doing’ in a uniquely powerful way. Because of this, these methods have significant advantages over discussion-based or instructional approaches. The memory of a discussion can easily be lost. The experience of doing is harder to forget, especially if the doing is related to one’s own life experience.
Some of the other advantages of drama-based methods are:
- it can make learning more personal, immediate and meaningful;
- it is not reliant on literacy and verbal expression;
- it is active and spontaneous;
- it addresses thinking, feelings and behaviour;
- it is practical and immediate;
- it is an instinctive approach, due to our innate understanding of storytelling.
“The SAFER STREETS Schools’ Drama Project” adopts a variety of drama workshop techniques led by a team of trained workshop facilitators and actors.
The workshop leaders use processing techniques to explore THOUGHT, FEELING and ACTION. The techniques always remain one-step removed which means that personal disclosure is never encouraged or sought. Nevertheless, the techniques encourage participants to engage with the content and material on a personal and deep level.
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