Applied Theater can take many forms and shapes. In this session, learn and interact with some hands on techniques for approaching devised theater for and with youth in foster care and how to involve community engagement initiatives that lead to advocacy. In 2024- 25, Abby Thompson had the opportunity, through the League of Chicago Theatres’ Samuel G. Roberson Jr. Fellowship in Artivism to do just that through a new play development project, Alex in Windyland. As a former foster sibling, Abby is particularly passionate about advocating for the stories and voices of youth in care, holding space for them to be creative, and applying this storytelling to tangible change, advocacy, and awareness for youth in the foster care system. Come play, devise, and create original stories while learning directly from the case study examples developed in Abby’s fellowship program, centering voices of youth in foster care.
