An introductory exploration/survey of the rich histories, theories and practices of community-based and social issues theatre. Lively connection of social issues in today’s world through discussion, participation, lecture and performance!

Mon and Wed 1:00–2:50 ---- Armory Free Theatre (160 Armory).

Devising Social Issues Theatre, Theatre 418 / Gender and Women’s Studies 418, 3 credit hours undergrad / 1 unit grad

Focus on writing and devising theatre explicitly concerned with social issues in the context of community. Works created in this course may go on to be performed in the ensemble!

Mon and Wed 11:30 – 12:50 ---- Armory Free Theatre (160 Armory).

Leading Post-Performance Dialog, Theatre 417 / Gender and Women’s Studies 417, 4 credit hours undergrad / 1 unit grad

Arts engagement exploration and the dramaturge in social issues theatre. Includes hands on experience of animateur (facilitation) work with the

INNER VOICES Social Issues Theatre ensemble. Great class for those who want to utilize theatre in their work such as social workers, educators, other arts and community focused practitioners.

Tues and Thurs 4-5:50 w/ additional times scheduled for fieldwork with audiences.

INNER VOICES Social Issues Theatre ensemble, Theatre 400m, 2 credit hours

The focus of the ensemble is on public performances. The ensemble performs 15 times per semester on average. Open to all students and while past experience is useful, it is not necessary. Students may choose to receive credit for their participation in the ensemble.

Rehearsals meet Tues Wed and Thurs 5:00-7:00 ---- Armory Free Theatre (160 Armory).

Course instructors are active practitioners in their fields.

Questions? Lisa Fay lfay@illinois.edu or 217.244.0212 or innervoices@illinois.edu

INNER VOICES Social Issues Theatre takes on subject matter that is timely and often difficult to address. This requires a willingness to be open-minded and curious about social issues and social justice on the part of all who participate in the project. Past topics have included hate crimes, sexual assault, body image, gender identity and transphobia, racism, socioeconomic status, and suicide.INNER VOICES Social Issues Theatre is sponsored by the Counseling Center and the Department of Theatre at the University of Illinois.

Thanks to Lori Davis of LAS for this information item.

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