Interactive Theatre
Readings and presentations are important sources of learning. However, nothing captures people's attention and engages them in the problem-solving process in quite the same way as witnessing an incident and questioning the participants.
What was he thinking? Why didn't she try this tactic?
Did she think about this aspect? What is he planning to do next?
Interactive Theater is a unique and innovative program that helps participants to understand the complexity of issues and relationships that can result in workplace challenges.
Scenerio Topics
| Scenario Title | Subject |
| "The Talking To" | Diversity |
| "Something's Wrong" | Sexual Harassment |
| "Moving On" | Sexual Harassment |
| "The Remark" | Chilly Climate |
| "Learning the Ropes" | Workplace Relationships |
| "A Job Well Done" | Workplace Relationships |
| "Ranking" | Diversity |
| "The Desk" | Respect |
| "Push/Pull" | Multicultural Issues |
| "The Fix" | Conflict Management |
Format
During an Interactive Theater performance, professional actors present a scenario that occurs in everyday work and classroom environments. Afterward, participants have the opportunity to question the actors on their thoughts, feelings, motivations, intentions and actions. A facilitator helps to process the group's responses and promotes awareness and insight during a learning dialogue.
The program does not prescribe definitive solutions - rather, it provides a forum from which participants can work together to enhance understanding and inclusion. Interactive Theater helps all participants to realize that everyone has a role in leading the organization toward inclusion, collegiality, effectiveness, respect and achievement.
History
A recommendation in the Women's Commission Report served as the key impetus for the implementation of Interactive Theatre at Carnegie Mellon. The program is very much aligned with the strategic plan's focus on community success. The provost has supported the development of a scenario that deals with chilly climate which we piloted this summer and now scripts have been developed related to sexual harassment and diversity.
The purpose is to provoke awareness and discussion, not stereotypes and easy answers regarding the topic. While the Interactive Theatre company is well read on the subject, they should not be viewed as experts on the subject matter.
Interactive Theatre Company
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Playwright |
Lynne Conner, Ph.D |
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Director |
Brenda Harger |
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Actors |
Brenda Harger |
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Facilitators: |
Lola Komisin |
For more information:
- Email Barbara Smith or call Human Resources