AATE 2025 National Conference

In the quest for progress and tradition, "Cultivating Growth: Nurturing Community Roots with Applied Theatre" emerges as a pivotal session for educators, practitioners, and advocates eager to intertwine the arts with activism within their localities. This session is dedicated to exploring the fertile ground of applied theatre as a means to empower youth, foster inclusivity, and sow the seeds of change in educational and communal landscapes. Participants will be guided through a 3 step process learning how to cultivate meaningful and lasting relationships that are OF, BY, AND FOR their local community. The session will unfold the layers of creating empathetic and caring environments, where voices are not only heard but are instrumental in leading the change. The heart of this session lies in its interactive activities, designed to mirror the growth process from seed to sapling. Attendees will engage in exercises such as "Relational Care Tag," where they'll articulate and share methods of care, and "Human Bingo," fostering connections through shared experiences and aspirations. These activities are complemented by applied theater techniques aimed at enhancing mindful listening and empathetic engagement. Through role-play scenarios, storytelling workshops, and reflective listening exercises, participants will learn to cultivate an environment where every voice is valued, and every participant feels seen and heard. By embracing the metaphor of a garden, "Cultivating Growth" invites participants to consider how applied theater can be the sunlight and water that nurture the seeds of change in our communities. This session is not just about learning techniques but about embodying the principles of growth, care, and community in our practices. Join us to discover how we can collectively tend to our local ecosystems, ensuring they flourish and sustain the vibrant diversity of voices and stories that make our communities whole.