Psychodrama and Performance Playshop

Experience psychodrama and perform

2009-02-16T11:06:00.000-08:00

What is Psychodrama?

2009-02-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

A drama that is being played out on stage for therapeutic purposes; a dramatic exploration of intrapersonal or interpersonal worlds through role-play.

When, Where, How, How much, Why?

2009-02-03T08:12:00.000-08:00

WHEN- We will be starting up a new group September 23rd through the week of December 9th

Wednesday nights from 7:00-9:30 -call and reserve a spot!

WHERE- Central square, at the Cambridge Community Center- 5 callendar st., Cambridge

HOW- short walk from Central Square T stop

HOW MUCH- 12 sessions-$240 Student discount-$200 (payment options)

WHY- As a professional performer, I have always been fascinated

with the power of performance. The exchange of energy between the

audience and the performer can be magical and healing.

I am now an adult student at Lesley University, nearing the

completion of my undergraduate degree in Expressive Therapies.

For my self designed thesis project, I planned

and facilitated this playshop series last spring. This will be the second such group. I am especially looking at the transition from the personal to the theatrical, as well as the healing

power of theater.

Class Description

2009-02-02T18:25:00.000-08:00

We will begin with working as a group to get to know one another and create cohesion....Then we will practice some basic theater exercises such as stage presence, showing emotion with the body, and character introductions. Next, we’ll move on to psychodramatic exercises such as role play, vinettes, and the social atom. We'll also use playback theater exercises such as fluid sculptures, open and transforming stories to explore the main issues participants are struggling with in their lives and to share our stories. At times, we’ll cross the theatrical line, from the personal and emotional into the clown realm to gain distance. We may develop towards a possible performance for an audience. Participants will share their experiences and feedback. As the focus is more experiential than aesthetic, no theater experience is necessary, only a willingness to share honestly and reflect! Also welcome are students of playback theater or psychodrama, as there will be space to practice 'directing'. Come as you are and explore!

Suggested Readings

2009-02-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

Bird, D. (Winter 2006/07) the many roles of therapeutic theatre. Dramatherapy Journal, Vol 28 (No 3)

Boal, A. (1992) Games for actors and non-actors. New York: Routledge.

Blatner, A. (1996) Acting-In; practical applications of psychodramatic methods. New York: Springer Publishing Co.

Dayton, T., Ph.D., TEP (2005), The living stage; a step-by-step guide to psychodrama, sociometry and experiential group therapy. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications, Inc.

Dayton, T., Ph.D., TEP (1994), The drama within: psychodrama and experiential therapy. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications, Inc.

Emunah, R. (1994) Drama Therapy; process, technique, and performance. Florence,KY: Brunner/Mazel

Hill, C. (Summer 2005) The foolish dramatherapist? An exploration of the role of the fool. Dramatherapy Journal, Vol 27 (No 2)

Jennings, S. (1998) Introduction to dramatherapy; theatre and healing; Adriane’s ball of thread. London and Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Landy J., R. (2008) the couch and the stage; Integrating words and action in psychotherapy. Lantham.Boulder.New York.Toronto.Plymouth, UK: Jason Aronson

Leveton, E. (2001) The clinicians guide to psychodrama; third edition. New York: Springer Publishing Co.

About Me

2009-02-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

About me:
I’ve had a nearly twenty-year career as a performer in circus and Variete, and I’ve taught theater, acrobatics, and clown therapy. More recently, I’ve been studying drama therapy and movement therapy at Lesley University and performing with a Boston playback theater troupe. I will draw from all of this experience to create a seven-week theater course with a group of volunteer adults.