Overview                                                                                                                           

The ADVANCE Interactive Theatre Project
Transforming Academic Culture through Theatre

The ADVANCE Interactive Theatre Project is an innovative approach to improving the climate for historically underrepresented groups in academia. A truly unique format, interactive theatre combines true-to-life scripted performances with interactive discussions between the audience and the actors, who remain in character. An experienced facilitator—specially trained to work both in an academic setting and within the framework of interactive theatre—manages each discussion.

By engaging equity issues, such as discrimination or unconscious gender bias in a format that is both safe and affirming, interactive theatre is producing outstanding results for institutions seeking to facilitate meaningful change.

Interactive Theatre as a Vehicle for Institutional Transformation

Interactive theatre is effective on a number of levels. Unique features include

• Credibility. Based on personal interviews and published research, each script “rings true.”

• Intimacy. Live performances allow participants to become intellectually and emotionally involved.

• Distance. Because it is fictional, participants feel distanced enough to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to the material.

• Privacy. Audience members are not required to share private details while positively addressing sensitive issues.

• Humor. Scenarios are laced with humor to diffuse tense situations and help audience members relax.

• Involved input. Audience members participate actively, engage the issues, and make personal discoveries—giving a sense of personal accountability and ownership.

Benefits of Booking the Interactive Theatre Project

Every year, institutions of higher learning lose millions of dollars due to issues of poor campus climate. Booking the Interactive Theatre Project is a meaningful step in helping improve your organization’s climate. Benefits include

• Better reputation for recruiting and retaining quality faculty

• Increased opportunities for research funding due to more diversity

• Safer, more supportive environment that results in higher productivity and

commitment

• Heightened awareness and open discussions about important issues

• Better mentoring

• Improved networking and collaboration among faculty and departments

Performance Packages and Costs

The Interactive Theatre Project has a variety of performance packages and scripts. We are always developing new material, so please check with us to determine what would be most appropriate for your needs.

• Full-length performances. Includes a performance of the script of your choice, plus a facilitated discussion.

• Brown-bag luncheons. Includes a shortened scripted performance, plus a facilitated discussion on a particular area of interest—mentoring, networking, morale, research productivity, etc.

• Ombuds training. Includes a full performance of “The Third-Year Tenure Review,” plus a facilitated discussion on training ombudspersons.

• Consulting. Includes assistance for institutions seeking to establish their own interactive theatre programs.

• Custom options. Choose any combination of services, or contact us with other ideas you’d like to see implemented. We are very open to collaborating with you on other projects.

The cost of hosting the Interactive Theatre Project depends on the package you decide to implement, plus traveling and hotel expenses for the cast (strictly hard costs). For more information about performance packages and pricing, please contact the ADVANCE office at   (435) 797-8069  or email us at advancetheatre@gmail.com .

Brochure                                                                                                                            

Download Interactive Theatre Project Brochure