Forum Theatre Summer Intensive

Posted by on March 12, 2012

Gas & Electric Arts Announces

our annual FORUM THEATRE SUMMER INTENSIVE

June 20-23, 2012 – Philadelphia

A 4-day training to empower you to spring into action in your community!

Educators • Social Workers • Community Organizers  • Artists • Active Citizens

Step into Action, Initiate Change!
http://www.GasAndElectricArts.org

This exciting workshop will immerse you in the techniques of Forum Theatre, a revolutionary form of participatory theatre created by Brazilian theatre visionary and Nobel Peace Prize finalist Augusto Boal. Forum Theatre transforms real-life conflicts into invigorating, interactive theatrical dialogue.

Led by nationally-recognized TO facilitator who has gained a passionate following by participants, Dr. Lisa Jo Epstein is known for her extensive knowledge, community experience, and refined skill in teaching Theatre of the Oppressed to diverse groups, truly empowering participants to investigate thorny issues, build consensus and rehearse problem solving solutions to implement change in the real world. No theatre experience necessary!

June 20 – 23, 2012   (Wed-Sat 10am-6pm)

Fee: $325 (limited financial aid available)

Registration Deadline, May 1

Workshop Location:
The Brossman Center, 7301 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119

REGISTRATION & MORE INFO:
http://www.GasAndElectricArts.org
215.407.0556
events@GasAndElectricArts.org

IN OUR WORKSHOPS YOU WILL:

GAIN fresh, playful yet powerful tools for exploring human interaction, the roles we play in our world and how our choices impact us as well as others.

LEARN new and profound approaches in learning, teaching, creativity, and moving through the world.

ENGAGE in lively theatre-based activities for personal and group transformation. No theatre experience necessary!

EXPLORE thorny issues in non-competitive, open ways.

ANIMATE images and personal stories to foster open dynamic dialogue about issues that matter to you

REHEARSE new possibilities for taking action and making change.

ENLIVEN empathy, understanding and awareness of yourself and your community.

WORKSHOP FACILITATOR
Lisa Jo Epstein (Master’s & Ph.D. University of TX at Austin) is a professional theatre director, educator, community-based teaching artist and co-founder of Gas & Electric Arts. She is the only Philadelphia-area theatre teaching artist who trained extensively with Augusto Boal, founder of the Theatre of the Oppressed (TO) both in the US and at the Center for Theatre of the Oppressed in Paris France. She also trained in directing and physical theatre at the world-renowned Théâtre du Soleil.

For over two decades, Lisa Jo has facilitated experiential TO workshops with a many populations around issues of identity and empowerment, community-building and social justice. She has worked in diverse locations–nationally and internationally– from community centers to colleges and universities, public and private schools, from halfway homes to social service agencies. As one of Boal’s “multipliers,” Lisa Jo has trained countless people in TO techniques through workshops and residencies.

“The experiences were transformational”  — Wendy Osterweil, printmaker/teaching artist

“I gained hope to actually make a difference.”  –Christina Cody, student

“Lisa Jo was energetic, accessible, true and consistent with her method. Her warmth and strong conviction allowed me to relax and trust her leadership as a facilitator. ”
– Naomi Faszczyk, community educator

“Lisa Jo is a dynamic force and a catalyst for free expression. Her knowledge of Boal and the Theatre of the Oppressed is first hand, and that is why I took her workshop. I was not disappointed!” —Bonnie MacAllister, playwright, teaching artist