Citizen Artists: A Guide to Helping Young People Make Plays That Change the World

Citizen Artists is a book that provides a comprehensive guide to producing, funding, researching, creating, rehearsing, directing, performing, and touring student-driven plays about social justice. It offers a unique methodology for training young arts leaders in playwriting, inquiry-based research, verbatim theatre, devising, applied theatre, and performance, and includes four original plays, lesson plans, theatre arts exercises, and practical advice from professional teaching artists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Citizen Artists is a captivating journey that delves into the intricate process of producing, funding, researching, creating, rehearsing, directing, performing, and touring student-driven plays centered around social justice. This remarkable book was developed over a period of 2015 to 2021 at New York City's renowned Epic Theatre Ensemble, with and for their youth ensemble, Epic NEXT. Author and Epic Co-Founder James Wallert generously shares his company's unique and internationally recognized methodology for training young arts leaders in playwriting, inquiry-based research, verbatim theatre, devising, applied theatre, and performance. Within its pages, readers will discover four original plays, along with seven comprehensive lesson plans meticulously timed to the minute. Additionally, there are 36 theatre arts exercises and valuable practical advice from over two dozen professional teaching artists, offering valuable insights for theatre-making, arts instruction, and youth organizing.

Citizen Artists stands as a unique and invaluable resource for students eager to explore the world of theatre and social justice. Educators seeking to create rigorous, democratic, and culturally responsive learning environments will find great value in this book. Moreover, artists passionate about creating work for new audiences that is more inclusive, courageous, and anti-racist will find inspiration and guidance within its pages.

This comprehensive guide is designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to create powerful and impactful plays that address social justice issues. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the creative process, from developing compelling characters and storylines to staging dynamic performances. The book also offers practical insights into fundraising, marketing, and touring, ensuring that student-driven plays reach a wider audience and make a lasting impact.

Furthermore, Citizen Artists emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community engagement in the theatre-making process. It encourages students to work closely with their peers, teaching artists, and community members to create plays that reflect the diverse perspectives and experiences of their communities. By fostering a sense of empathy, understanding, and action, Citizen Artists aims to inspire young people to become agents of change and contribute to a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, Citizen Artists is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of theatre to inspire, educate, and transform. Whether you are a student, educator, or artist, this book offers valuable insights and practical tools to help you create work that speaks to the heart of social justice and makes a lasting impact on your audience.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 154 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367516444