Performing on New Stages: A Case Study of a Performance-Based Youth Development Program

• In Event: 26.080 - Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: 26.080-11 - Advocacy and Activism in Varied Contexts for Learning

Abstract

The purpose of this ethnographic case study was to examine the experience of inner city youth involved in a youth development project based on Newman and Holzman’s understanding of performance and development. The stated mission of DtY is to “transform the lives of youth and poor communities using the developmental power of performance, in partnership with caring adults.” The findings show that both on stage and off that DtP created an inclusive, supportive environment for young people to take risks and break out of their comfort zone. There was evidence that the young people were using the tools they had gotten through performance, and were themselves bringing out a performative approach to everyday life to their communities.

Author

• Carrie L. Lobman, Rutgers University