Amplify & Ignite: Creative Practice in and With Communities

As legislation across states like Florida, Texas, Utah, and others restrict conversations around equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), how can theatre education programs effectively train culturally responsive teachers? And how do we do this in our communities with the laws push against it? This session invites participants to collectively grapple with the challenges of fostering inclusive teaching practices within a rapidly shifting sociopolitical landscape. Through inquiry and visioning, we will explore how theatre education can remain committed to diverse voices and stories, even amid societal pushback and restrictive policies. This collaborative session aims to inspire actionable strategies and frameworks for addressing these pressing challenges. Together, we will explore strategies for equipping future theatre educators with tools to navigate and resist these barriers, including innovative curriculum design, advocacy approaches, and other ideas brought to the table by the folks in the room. I hope to explore ethical dilemmas and dream up possibilities for transformative education rooted in empathy, equity, and resistance. The session aims to create a space where educators, artists, and administrators can share experiences, learn from one another, and envision actionable strategies.