Artist- and Teacher-Supported Extra-Curricular Theatre in Secondary Schools

Abstract

This chapter explores the benefits of artist- and teacher-supported theatre with young people within extra-curricular school contexts. It draws on key findings from Y Connect, a 2.5-year study which examined the impact of arts-based pedagogies and artist/teacher partnerships on learning and teaching at one inner-city secondary school in Queensland, Australia. In particular, it focuses on one of the project’s case studies, which involved secondary students collaborating with professional artists and teachers to create a series of theatre productions. The chapter draws on interview data collected throughout the project to suggest that extra-curricular theatre in schools is a ‘betwixt and between’ form that can contribute to young people’s well-being in many ways, including through enhanced connections to self, the school community, each other, artists, and the Arts, with these connections being of particular significance for students from refugee, immigrant, or low socio-economic backgrounds. The collaboration between the young people, artists, and teachers is also discussed, with the chapter suggesting that this collaboration supported positive outcomes for all groups. In offering these ideas, the chapter aims to expand upon the existing literature relating to theatre and young people by focusing on the benefits and functions of extra-curricular theatre activities.