A Footprint in the Mud: Entering the Engaged Space of Community Theatre Practice

Abstract

This paper explores one example of community theatre practice and a possible theorisation of that practice. The key theoretical concept of the paper, a Community Theatre Matrix, is proposed as a means of interpreting and analysing the complex experience of facilitating community theatre practice in a reflective practitioner/researcher's own practice. At the core of the Community Theatre Matrix is the notion that collective community art-making takes place within an Engaged Space and those who choose to participate in the collective art-making process form a temporary community of art-makers.

Keywords:

• COMMUNITY THEATRE PRACTICE
• ARTISTIC PEDAGOGY
• REFLECTIVE PRACTITIONER RESEARCH
• ENGAGEMENT
• COMMUNITY THEATRE MATRIX

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christine Sinclair

Chris Sinclair is a Research Fellow and a lecturer in drama education at the University of Melbourne. In addition to her work in drama education, she has taught courses in acting, directing, group devised theatre-making, community theatre for students from prep to post-grads. She also works as a freelance community theatre artist. Chris completed a PhD in the field of community theatre practice (rehearsal processes and aesthetic outcomes).