What is Social Action Theater about?
Social
Action Theater originated to educate UW-La Crosse students and staff about
diversity issues, but the group has outreached to other venues including but
not limited to elementary schools, nursing homes, middle schools, professional
settings, and high schools . Under Robert Krajewski's guidance, the
current emphasis is on advocating change and acceptance through awareness by confronting
controversial issues openly. Students are encouraged to share their own
experiences while developing the scripts, brainstorming new topics, and
ultimately performing the skits. Audience members are also encouraged
participate actively through taking on character roles and openly discussing
the topic being presented.
Why is it Social Action Theater so
effective? Skits are written to involve real issues, real people, in real situations. The
nature of our performance is to provide spontaneous interaction between the
presenter and the audience and open up an honest line of communication.
Presenters often play roles that are not necessarily congruent to their
personalities, which allows the opportunity to experience life from a different
perspective, a sort of 'walking in someone else's shoes.' Presentations
and interaction/ feedback sessions often are therapeutic, helping both
presenters and their audiences to process their feelings after the
performance.
Who does Social Action Theater perform for?
Social
Action Theater is invited to perform in classes and residence halls at the
University, and in schools, social and business agencies, and churches in the
surrounding community and nationally.
What is the history of Social Action
Theater?
Social
Action Theater (SAT), a student theatre/entree troupe begun at UW-La Crosse in
1993, has experienced a tremendous revival under the tutelage of current
instructor Bob Krajewski, with support from UW-La Crosse Office of Diversity.
How do typical performances run?
Skits
are short, usually 3-7 minutes in length, and are followed by a discussion
session audience-students-in-roles. Thus there is immediate feedback and
audience involvement. The spontaneous nature of the skits and interaction
session brings a fresh feeling to the performances. Presentations and
interaction/ feedback sessions often are therapeutic, helping both students and
their audiences to process their feelings after the performance.
Who can be involved with Social
Action Theater?
Any
Student at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse, Viterbo, or WWTC
especially students enrolled in EFN 205 (Understanding Human Differences), have
the option to take Social Action Theater to fulfill part of the class
requirement. It is a one credit performing group that can be taken a maximum of
three times for credit, or a student may volunteer to be part of Social Action
Theater.
How much does Social Action
charge to come and perform?
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