Counts toward degree and perfect for future educators!
Playback Theatre: Inclusive Improvisation and Storytelling
Winter Intercession: Friday, January 9th – Thursday, January 15th | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
In this intensive, week-long course, students will immerse themselves in the art of Playback Theatre—an improvisational form in which audience members share personal stories and watch them come to life through spontaneous performance. From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day, we will explore the foundations of playback theatre, including embodiment, deep listening, narrative improvisation, ensemble work, and musical response. From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, our class will welcome 3–4 adults with intellectual disabilities for inclusive playback sessions, offering students the opportunity to apply techniques in real time while deepening their skills in empathy, collaboration, and adaptive communication. The course will culminate in a final playback performance featuring our intercession troupe. Ideal for drama therapy students, students in the helping professions, theatre students, and music students alike, this course—open to both undergraduate and graduate participants—invites engagement with story, presence, and community through the transformative lens of playback theatre.
THTRE 630 – Trauma-Informed Theory Topic: An Introduction to Drama Therapy Techniques
This course offers an overview of drama therapy theories and techniques through a trauma-informed lens, exploring how creative and embodied approaches can support healing, resilience, and self-expression in both clinical and community settings. Students will study the foundations of drama therapy, the role of the therapeutic relationship, the use of metaphor and story, and the importance of safety, choice, and empowerment in trauma-informed practice. Through readings, experiential exercises, and reflective discussion, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how drama therapy principles can be applied across diverse contexts. Ideal for drama therapy students, students in the helping professions, and theatre students interested in the therapeutic applications of performance and improvisation, this course—open to both undergraduate and graduate students—invites participants to integrate creative expression and trauma-sensitive practice in support of personal and collective growth.
Best,
Michelle
Michelle Davenport (Yadon), MA, RDT/BCT, CTRS
Director, Drama Therapy Program
School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Kansas State University
Campus Mailing Address:
1501 Goldstein Circle, 109 McCain
Manhattan, KS 66506-4702
Office: 138 Nichols Hall,
702 Mid-Campus Drive South
Zoom: https://ksu.zoom.us/launch/chat?src=direct_chat_link&email=msdavenp@k-state.