This site is dedicated to highlighting Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and the Theater in Education research community at EMU.
PHOTO: FALL 2023 TYA MAINSTAGE
A WRINKLE IN TIME adapted by Tracy Young
Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
In this special episode of the State of Field Podcast, a collective of artists come together to resurrect the myth of The Last Known Atlas Bear through narrative, voice, sound, and digital storytelling. Written by playwright Adam Weisman and voiced by Dan Jonson and Te’Nia Richardson, the piece is brought to life visually by Robert Smith using Canva and Cora AI, with an original soundscape composed in Soundtrap. What emerges is a haunting, hybrid offering—part eco-fable, part elegy—that honors memory, myth, and creative collaboration. Tune in for a glimpse into a process where each artist adds a vital piece to a shared imaginative legacy.
In this episode of State of Field, host Robert Smith sits down with playwright and MFA candidate Adam Weisman to explore his eco-theater fable Waldsterben, his adaptation of Chess Story, and his TYA musical A Blue-Eyed Daisy. Together, they discuss Adam’s journey through the ADTY MFA program at EMU and how his Jewish identity, environmental activism, and love of memory and myth inform his creative process. Featuring select audio from Waldsterben, this episode is a moving portrait of a storyteller using theatre to confront grief, honor the earth, and imagine new futures..
The Video Illustrated "Last Known Atlas Bear." In collaboration with Adam Weisman, Dan Johnson, Te’Nia Richardson , Robert Smith, SORA AI and CANVA AI
Adam Benjamin Weisman (he/him) is a Jewish American playwright, teaching artist, and dramaturg who resides in Ypsilanti, MI. He is currently working towards an M.F.A. in Applied Drama and Theatre for the Young at Eastern Michigan University, where he also teaches courses in public speaking and theatre in health education. Adam is proud to be a teaching artist at Spinning Dot Theatre in Ann Arbor, MI, where he devises and directs work with young artists. He is passionate about new work development, eco-theater, puppetry, and clowning/mimesis in the style of Jacques Tati. Adam has a particular affinity for the works of Bertolt Brecht and Henrik Ibsen. His work as a playwright lies at the intersection of all of these interests. His recent play The Boy Who Rode the Clouds was developed and staged as part of Emory University’s Brave New Works series, and his play Waldsterben was presented this year as part of Eastern Michigan University’s Frank Ross Lab Series. Through his playwriting, he wishes to uplift the voices of young people who are gearing up to accept a world in crisis, and by doing so, legitimize their fears for the future. He wishes to explore the hope that hides itself away in uncertainty. And he wishes to share the legends, fables, and folklore of his Jewish faith with generations of young people to come, as stories of strife remind us to ever pursue the healing of the world, or tikkun olam. When he’s not teaching, he can be found in the kitchen baking sweet treats to share with his friends and family!
Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
SPECIAL GUEST SPANISH LANGUAGE HOST: ESTHER ORTIZ
Esther Ortiz is a 21-year-old with Mexican roots, raised in Nebraska. She's currently pursuing a BA in Dentistry at Eastern Michigan University. She aspires to become a doctor and eventually own a small business. Passionate about traveling, Esther dreams of exploring the world. Outside of her studies, she enjoys watching anime, building Legos, painting, and hosting events, always bringing creativity and energy to everything she does.
PRESENTADORA INVITADA ESPECIAL EN ESPAÑOL: ESTHER ORTIZ
Esther Ortiz tiene 21 años, es de origen mexicano y creció en Nebraska. Actualmente cursa una licenciatura en Odontología en la Universidad Eastern Michigan. Aspira a ser médica y, con el tiempo, tener un pequeño negocio. Apasionada por los viajes, Esther sueña con explorar el mundo. Además de sus estudios, disfruta viendo anime, construyendo Legos, pintando y organizando eventos, siempre aportando creatividad y energía a todo lo que hace.
En este cautivador episodio de State of Field, el presentador Robert Smith entabla un diálogo profundo con la académica, narradora y activista Alex Martínez Muñoz, cuyo trabajo fusiona el teatro aplicado, la teoría feminista y la defensa de los derechos humanos. Alex comparte cómo sus proyectos de investigación y performance dan voz a las familias de víctimas de feminicidio en México, humanizando las estadísticas a través de narrativas personales y teatro documental. Se invita a los oyentes a reflexionar sobre las implicaciones éticas de transformar el trauma de la vida real en arte, el poder emocional de la narrativa feminista y el potencial radical del teatro aplicado como herramienta para la reimaginación cultural y la justicia. Alex también explora el papel transformador de la música feminista, los desafíos de enfrentar la resistencia cultural y los próximos pasos visionarios en su arte activista. Este episodio es un llamado a la compasión y la creatividad valiente, un recordatorio de que el arte tiene el poder de transformar narrativas, desmantelar la apatía y despertar la acción colectiva.
In this compelling episode of State of Field, host Robert Smith engages in a powerful dialogue with scholar, storyteller, and activist Alex Martinez Muñoz, whose work merges applied theatre, feminist theory, and human rights advocacy. Alex shares how her research and performance projects give voice to the families of femicide victims in Mexico, humanizing statistics through personal narratives and documentary theatre. Listeners are invited to reflect on the ethical implications of transforming real-life trauma into art, the emotional power of feminist storytelling, and the radical potential of applied theatre as a tool for cultural reimagination and justice. Alex also explores the transformative role of feminist music, the challenges of confronting cultural resistance, and the visionary next steps in her activist artistry. This episode is a call to compassion and courageous creativity—a reminder that art has the power to shift narratives, dismantle apathy, and awaken collective action.
¡Música de resistencia y solidaridad ante el feminicidio presentada en este episodio de podcast!
Music of Resistance and Solidarity to Femicide Featured in this Podcast Episode!!!
Women's advocacy organizations:
Red Nacional de Refugios (National Network of Shelters): rednacionalderefugios.org.mx
@redrefugiosmx
Mujeres Unidas y Activas (Women United and Active): mujeresunidas.net
Social media organizations resources:
@werwomenonfire
@revolucionvioletamx
@brujasdelmarver
Activist performances/art:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeU7rb-dBow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLLyzqkH6cs
Organizaciones de defensa de las mujeres:
Red Nacional de Refugios: rednacionalderefugios.org.mx
@redrefugiosmx
Mujeres Unidas y Activas: mujeresunidas.net
Recursos de organizaciones de redes sociales:
@werwomenonfire
@revolucionvioletamx
@brujasdelmarver
Actuaciones/arte de activistas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeU7rb-dBow
Alex Martínez Muñoz is a Mexican performer, scholar, writer, and aspiring activist. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Communications, Media, and Theater Arts from Eastern Michigan University, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Communication - Interpretation and Performance Studies at EMU. Her research focuses on the dissemination of art activism in Latin American and women's work in media and the arts, exploring the emotional, cultural, and social resonance. She was recently recognized as one of the five students awarded for the 2025 Best Abstracts at the EMU Graduate Research and Creativity Activity Conference for her essay Femicide, Resistance, and Sisterhood in Silvana Estrada's "Si Me Matan" performance.
Abstract for Alex's Master's Degree final project:
This project explores the performative nuances of compassion in art activism, focusing on femicides in Mexico through a narrative and feminist perspective. By integrating the narrative paradigm and feminist frameworks, it examines how compassion manifests in storytelling, performance, and artistic activism, shaping emotional responses and fostering collective mobilization.
Through a series of essays, this research delves into the ways compassionate storytelling builds solidarity and processes trauma, how art activism transforms emotions into a catalyst for justice, and how performance embodies compassion as an act of resistance. It argues that emotions are not merely reactions but integral to how we understand and engage with activism, allowing for deeper resonance and meaningful action.
Beyond the context of femicides in Mexico, this work invites broader conversations on compassion-driven activism in confronting systemic violence and injustice. As a culmination, a manifesto will articulate the role of emotions in social transformation, and a monologue will embody these ideas through performance, illustrating the power of art to inspire change.
Alex Martínez Muñoz es una artista, académica, escritora y aspirante a activista mexicana. Obtuvo su licenciatura en Comunicación, Medios y Artes Teatrales en la Universidad Eastern Michigan y actualmente cursa una maestría en Comunicación, Interpretación y Estudios de Performance en la EMU. Su investigación se centra en la difusión del activismo artístico en Latinoamérica y el trabajo de las mujeres en los medios y las artes, explorando su resonancia emocional, cultural y social. Recientemente fue reconocida como una de las cinco estudiantes premiadas con los Mejores Resúmenes de 2025 en la Conferencia de Investigación y Actividades Creativas de Posgrado de la EMU por su ensayo Feminicidio, Resistencia y Hermandad en la performance "Si Me Matan" de Silvana Estrada.
Resumen del proyecto final de maestría de Alex:
Este proyecto explora los matices performativos de la compasión en el activismo artístico, centrándose en los feminicidios en México desde una perspectiva narrativa y feminista. Al integrar el paradigma narrativo y los marcos feministas, examina cómo la compasión se manifiesta en la narración, la performance y el activismo artístico, moldeando las respuestas emocionales y fomentando la movilización colectiva.
A través de una serie de ensayos, esta investigación profundiza en las formas en que la narración compasiva construye solidaridad y procesa el trauma, cómo el activismo artístico transforma las emociones en un catalizador para la justicia y cómo la performance encarna la compasión como acto de resistencia. Argumenta que las emociones no son meras reacciones, sino parte integral de cómo entendemos y nos involucramos con el activismo, lo que permite una resonancia más profunda y una acción significativa.
Más allá del contexto de los feminicidios en México, este trabajo invita a conversaciones más amplias sobre el activismo impulsado por la compasión para enfrentar la violencia y la injusticia sistémicas. Como culminación, un manifiesto articulará el papel de las emociones en la transformación social, y un monólogo encarnará estas ideas a través de la performance, ilustrando el poder del arte para inspirar el cambio.
Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
In this episode of State of Field, host Robert Smith interviews award-winning playwright, educator, and performer Shavonne T. Coleman about her transformative work in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) and her upcoming play, Cause Play, premiering at Eastern Michigan University as part of the BIPOC SuperHero Project. They explore the power of culturally relevant storytelling, the challenges of navigating predominantly white theater spaces, and the urgency of reclaiming Access, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice & Belonging (ADEIJB) in arts education. From her contributions to the BIPOC SuperHero Project Anthology to her work as a teaching artist and advocate for BIPOC youth, Shavonne shares insights on how theatre can be a tool for empowerment, representation, and transformative learning.
Shavonne T. Coleman is an award-winning playwright, theatre educator, and performing artist dedicated to using the power of storytelling to cultivate connection and community. A dynamic force in applied drama and theatre for young audiences, Coleman has worked extensively as a teaching artist, director, and facilitator, bringing theatre into educational and community spaces to inspire, engage, and empower.
A native of Detroit, MI, Coleman holds an MFA in Applied Drama and Theatre for the Young from Eastern Michigan University and a BA in Theatre from Grand Valley State University. Her commitment to creating inclusive, socially relevant, and engaging theatrical experiences has taken her across the globe, including a directorial role at Zoom Theatre in Seoul, South Korea, where she led a youth theatre performance.
As a performer and storyteller, Coleman has appeared in applied theatre projects, professional stage productions, and short films. Her work as a teaching artist has impacted countless young performers through programs such as Detroit Public Schools, VSA Michigan, CrossTown Theatre, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, and Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. She has also served as a visiting professor at Grand Valley State University, where she co-directed ReACT!, an anti-violence theatre troupe, and has been a faculty member at Austin Community College.
Coleman’s leadership in the field of theatre education has earned her numerous accolades, including the Emerging Leadership Award from Theatre for Young Audiences (USA/ASSITEJ), the Anne K. Flagg Multicultural Award from AATE, and the Teaching Innovation Grant from the University of Texas at Austin. She was also honored with the President’s Staff Award for her contributions to transformative learning and arts-based dialogue.
A passionate advocate for theatre’s role in fostering social change, Coleman served as the Theatre for Dialogue Coordinator at the University of Texas at Austin and as the Assistant Director for Transformative Learning in the Center for Teaching and Learning. Her dedication to expanding equitable access to the arts continues in her work as a board member for the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA).
Her current projects include a highly anticipated commission by Seattle Children’s Theatre to adapt Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, with its first development phase taking place at the New Harmony Project’s 2023 Conference. As the founder of Acting O.U.T., a creative arts development organization based in Detroit, Coleman continues to advocate for theatre as not just entertainment, but as a space for critical inquiry, self-expression, and transformative exploration of life’s most pressing questions.
Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
State of the Field Podcast presents a Two-Part Exclusive Interview with José Casas Join host Robert Smith in a groundbreaking conversation with award-winning playwright and University of Michigan professor José Casas. In this episode, we explore José’s BIPOC Super Hero Project, a visionary initiative that’s redefining representation in Theater for Young Audiences (TYA). Discover the "origin story" behind this project and why superheroes are the perfect lens for empowering BIPOC youth and their communities. Dive into the importance of authentic representation, how this project challenges white/Eurocentric theater models, and how it inspires future generations to take control of their narratives. If you're passionate about inclusive storytelling and innovation in TYA, this is one episode you won’t want to miss! Tune in now and get ready to be inspired by José Casas’ bold vision for the future of youth theater.
José Casas: A Distinguished Playwright of Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA)
José Casas is a playwright and educator who specializes in writing compelling and socially relevant works for Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA). He serves as an associate professor and leads the Playwriting minor in the Department of Theatre & Drama at the University of Michigan. Casas is a member of the Dramatists Guild and an active board member of the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America. Additionally, he is affiliated with TYA/USA and the American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE).
Casas’s plays, which have been produced nationwide, include la rosa grows beyond the wall, all brown all chingon, aDoBe, a million whispers all at once, the vine, la ofrenda, somebody’s children, and Flint. His works la ofrenda and somebody’s children received both the Bonderman National Playwriting for Youth Award (2005, 2009) and the AATE Distinguished Play Award (2007, 2010). His writing has also been featured in acclaimed anthologies, such as The Bully Plays, Ethnodrama: An Anthology of Reality Theatre, and Theatre for Youth II: More Plays with Mature Themes.
Among his published works are la ofrenda, 14, somebody’s children, and Palabras del Cielo: An Exploration of Latina/o Theatre for Young Audiences, which earned the AATE Distinguished Book Award. Casas’s plays and scholarship focus on amplifying underrepresented voices and exploring themes of identity, culture, and social justice, making him a key voice in the TYA field.
Education
BA (Dramatic Arts), University of California, Santa Barbara
MA (Theatre Arts), California State University, Los Angeles
MFA (Playwriting), Arizona State University
Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
In this episode of the "State of Field" podcast, Dan Johnson discusses his personal journey and commitment to Access, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Michigan's theater scene, focusing on the challenges faced by marginalized communities in traditionally white/Eurocentric spaces. He shares insights from his work as an advocate for ADEI at the University of Michigan and explores strategies for creating more inclusive environments, including the use of tools like inclusivity audits and meaningful casting choices. Drawing from key ADEI resource publications, Dan reflects on how educators and theater professionals can promote self-determination, antiracism, and decolonial practices in youth theater education, ensuring underrepresented voices are heard. Throughout, Dan emphasizes the need for ongoing, tangible action to foster genuinely inclusive, equitable spaces in theater, while also offering hope for a more diverse and empowered future in both youth and professional theater.
IMAGES OF DAN ON STAGE
Dan's Hot Pick Resource for Anti-Racists Theatre Makers!!
Dan Johnson is a multi-talented theatre artist based in Southeast Michigan. As a proud member of Actors Equity Association, Dan has performed on stages across the Lower Peninsula over the past thirteen years, winning numerous awards including Best Supporting Actor (both in a Play and in a Musical) and Best Actor. Over the past seven years, he has also used his acting abilities as a patient actor for Michigan Medicine's M-Talk program (based on the national VitalTalk program) and has helped co-create a training program teaching medical professionals to effectively handle patient-initiated harassment and microaggressions. Additionally, Dan has served as a cultural sensitivity coordinator for the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre and Dance, and, with Ashley M. Lyle, co-created "Toward an Anti-Racist Michigan Theatre," a workshop designed to help theatre artist at all levels develop a greater understanding of how they can make their theatre environments more inclusive and supportive. Dan made his podcast debut in Acorn Arts and Entertainment's Webby Award-recognized podcast The Call of the Void, in which he played the dual roles of Necromon and Officer Mason and received an Audio Verse Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In Acorn Arts and Entertainment's latest podcast, Silvertongues, Dan plays the leading role of Roscoe Talbott.
Link to Dan's INSTAGRAM
Dan's Hot Pick resource for ADEI training !!
Stages of Reckoning is a crucial conversation about how racialized bodies and power intersect within actor training spaces.
This book provokes embodied and intellectual discomfort for the reader to take risks with their ideologies, identities, and practices and to make new pedagogical choices for students with racialized identities. Centering the voices of actor trainers of color to acknowledge their personal experience and professional pedagogy as theory, this volume illuminates actionable ideas for text work, casting, voice, consent practices, and movement while offering decolonial approaches to current Eurocentric methods. These offerings invite the reader to create spaces where students can bring more of themselves, their communities, and their stories into their training and as fodder for performance making that will lead to a more just world.
In this “vital, necessary, and beautiful book” (Michael Eric Dyson), antiracist educator Robin DiAngelo deftly illuminates the phenomenon of white fragility and “allows us to understand racism as a practice not restricted to ‘bad people’ (Claudia Rankine). Referring to the defensive moves that white people make when challenged racially, white fragility is characterized by emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and by behaviors including argumentation and silence. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium and prevent any meaningful cross-racial dialogue. In this in-depth exploration, DiAngelo examines how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what we can do to engage more constructively.
Antiracism is a transformative concept that reorients and reenergizes the conversation about racism—and, even more fundamentally, points us toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves and each other. At its core, racism is a powerful system that creates false hierarchies of human value; its warped logic extends beyond race, from the way we regard people of different ethnicities or skin colors to the way we treat people of different sexes, gender identities, and body types. Racism intersects with class and culture and geography and even changes the way we see and value ourselves. In How to Be an Antiracist, Kendi takes listeners through a widening circle of antiracist ideas—from the most basic concepts to visionary possibilities—that will help listeners see all forms of racism clearly, understand their poisonous consequences, and work to oppose them in our systems and in ourselves.
Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
Links to the Articles Referenced In This Podcast
In this podcast episode, Olivia Allen, a third-year graduate student in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, discusses the importance of rural youth theater and the unique opportunities it provides for young people in rural communities. Olivia shares her journey into rural theater education and addresses common misconceptions and biases surrounding rural youth theater, such as the belief that these communities lack artistic interest or talent. She emphasizes the need to create inclusive, supportive spaces for marginalized youth, highlighting how rural theater can provide a safe haven for those who may feel isolated. Olivia also touches on the logistical challenges of rural theater, such as limited rehearsal space and competing commitments, while offering insights into how theater educators can help young performers take risks and overcome fears. Finally, Olivia discusses the significance of presenting challenging themes in rural settings and how nuanced approaches can bridge cultural differences, fostering deeper connections between rural communities and the arts.
Teaching Drama in a Rural Setting: A Comedy of Errors in Three Acts (Subscription Required)
Far Out on a Dirt Road: An Invitation from the rural arts sector (Free To View)
Olivia will be directing "The Girl Who Swallowed a Cactus" by Eric Coble for the EMU Theater Departments 2025 Winter Tour.
Olivia Allen (she/her) is a director, teacher, and performer for young audiences, as well as an applied theatre artist for and with all ages. Olivia received a BA in Theatre & Performance and a K-12 Speech, Debate, and Drama teaching certification from Oklahoma City University. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Applied Drama and Theatre for the Young at Eastern Michigan University, where she is in her final year. Olivia's research interest is Rural Theatre for Young Audiences, and she is currently preparing to direct the Winter 2025 EMU Theatre for the Young Tour, which will visit rural elementary schools in Southeast Michigan. Olivia teaches theatre at Spinning Dot Theatre year round, and is a collaborator with Limelight Theatre, LLC. This year, she is also teaching Improvisation for Everyday Life at Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility through EMU's College in Prison program. To keep up with Olivia, you can follow her on social media @oliviaquinnallen!
by Eric Coble for more information about the playwright click [HERE]
School is out for the summer, the weather is hot and the boredom is heavy. But 8-year-old Sheila and her pack of pals aren’t going to let the summer heat wear them down. When their fantastical junkyard fort draws the attention of a walking, talking, surprisingly well-dressed coyote, the adventurers suddenly find themselves deep in the desert, facing The Council of Howls, The Sting Brigade, The Death Cactus and much more. It's a whirlwind adventure about how we affect the environment and the animals with whom we share the planet, and how we take on the mission of saving the world from ourselves. A unique twist on traditional storytelling, where a bit of moonlight brings a menagerie of found objects to life, this original play shows the power of memory and imagination and will captivate and inspire audiences of all ages.
- Source Dramatic Publishing
A public performance will be held on April 11 & 12 at 7 p.m. and April 12 at 2 p.m. 2025 Sponberg Theatre Suggested for ages 5+, TICKETS $6 For Ticket Information please click [HERE]
Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
In this follow-up podcast interview I speak with Lauren about her experience as a presenter at the 2024 American Alliance of Theater Educators (AATE) conference in Chicago. We explore the purpose of presenting seminars and workshops not only as a recent EMU ADTY MFA graduate but also as a seasoned Theater and Drama educator, director and Theater in Education colleague. Lauren reveals her secrets of successful middle school classroom management as well as building community through sharing her love of Theater & Drama Education and how working with youth has inspired her ongoing love for seeing her students grow and excel in their theater making skills. Lauren is definitely someone to look up in theater education and I am so excited for this opportunity to sit down with her and listen, learn and get excited about working with teens in Drama and Theater Education.
Photos of Lauren Presenting at the 2024 AATE Conference
LAUREN AATE 2024.mp4
Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
Tune in to this latest installment of the State of Field Podcast as we welcome Meriah Sage, head of the theater department and chair of the Applied Drama and Theater for Youth MFA program at Eastern Michigan University. With an extensive background in theater education and performance, Meriah sheds light on Theater for Young Audiences (TYA), clarifying its scope and diverse age ranges. Discover how TYA is integrated into the ADTY program at EMU, from written plays to devised experiences, and explore the significance of EMU's TYA tour. Learn how TYA playwriting and directing opportunities are supported, and gain insights into the future trends of this evolving genre. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on the role of TYA in shaping the next generation of theater artists and educators.
Education
MFA, Applied Drama & Theatre for the Young, Western Michigan University
BS, Theatre Performance & Elementary Education, Western Michigan University
Teacher Certification, Great Lakes Michigan Chekhov Consortium
Meriah Sage (she/her/hers) is an assistant professor and director of the Applied Drama & Theatre for the Young MFA & MA program at Eastern Michigan University. Meriah has worked as the Education Director for the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, IL; Apple Tree Theatre on Chicago's North Shore, and the Aesthetic Education Program with Education for the Arts, part of the Intermediate School District in Kalamazoo, MI. She has worked as a Teaching Artist/Facilitator for many organizations including the National Educators Workshops with Lincoln Center Institute, International Thespians Festival, YouTheatre with the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, and Education for the Arts. Meriah earned her bachelor's degrees from Western Michigan in Theatre Performance and Elementary Education, her MFA in Applied Drama and Theatre for the Young from Eastern Michigan University (2010), and is a certified teacher with the Michael Chekhov technique through the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium (GLMCC).
Following graduation from EMU in 2010, Meriah worked as a Parttime and Fulltime Lecturer in EMU's School of Communication, Media & Theatre Arts, teaching, directing productions (BUD, NOT BUDDY, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, SHAKING EARTH, THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, ANTIGONE) and acting as the assistant director for the Center for the Study of Equality and Human Rights.
Prior to returning to EMU in 2021, Meriah was the Head of Theatre and an assistant professor at the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio, where she taught script analysis, acting, directing, and theatre education courses and directed many mainstage productions, including CABARET, MOTHER HICKS, NEWSIES, EURYDICE (RUHL), IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY and ORDINARY DAYS.
Her research interests include application of the Michael Chekhov Technique, Arts Integration/Drama in Education, Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA), and seeking out the hidden history of BIPOC artistics and organizations in Drama and TYA. In Summer of 2022, Meriah received an EMU Research/Creative Activity Award for "Pushing the Limits: Michael Chekhov's Acting Technique in Rehearsal and Performance" and performed in a production of OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD in Cleveland, Ohio. Sage has presented at conferences for the Association for Theatre in Higher Education, American Alliance for Theatre in Education, Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium, International Thespians Festival, Mid-America Theatre Conference, and Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed.
Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
In this first episode of our two-part series featuring Lauren Neuwirth, a third-year ADTY graduate student and middle school drama teacher, we explore Lauren's journey from undergraduate studies in Vocal Music Education to pursuing an MFA in Applied Drama and Theater for the Young at Eastern Michigan University. As we delve into Lauren's experiences in the ADTY program, she shares how the coursework and opportunities have influenced and supported her teaching practice in Michigan Public Schools, offering specific examples of classroom applications. Lauren also discusses how her experiences as an actress and director complement her work as a drama teacher. Highlighting her commitment to promoting creative agency among her students and the joy of teaching middle schoolers, Lauren offers a glimpse into her inspiring journey and aspirations for the future of theater education.
Photos of Lauren Teaching and Performing
Lauren Neuwirth is a teaching artist based in Detroit, Michigan. Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in Vocal Music Education from Wayne State University, and is currently pursuing an MFA in Theater Arts and Applied Drama and Theater for the Young from Eastern Michigan University. She is currently a 6th year teacher in the Bloomfield Hills School District, where she has enjoyed teaching Drama, Musical Theatre, and Theatre Technology for South Hills Middle School. Prior to Bloomfield Hills, Neuwirth spent a year teaching Choir and Drama at Center Line High School and Wolfe Middle School in Center Line, Michigan. She has been acting for over 20 years and has been music directing and directing for the last 14 years. Some of her favorite roles include Katherine Blake in Freaky Friday, Maureen in RENT, Amy in Company, Christine in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Donna in Mamma Mia. Her research focuses on the treatment of female characters in musical theatre and adjacent genres. She is a two-time presenter at the American Alliance for Theatre and Education National Conference and co-hosts/produces Down Stage Left Podcast, a comedy/theater podcast.
Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
Episode 5: Empowering Voices - Sam Carter's Vision for Inclusive Theater
In this episode of the "State of Field" podcast, host Robert Smith interviews Sam Carter, a graduate student in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth (ADTY), about her groundbreaking work in creating inclusive theater experiences, particularly focusing on her project "Ronnie & Scales." Sam discusses her inspiration, challenges faced during production, and broader aspirations within Theater in Education and Theater for Young Audiences. Through her experiences, Sam emphasizes the importance of accessibility, inclusivity, and the fusion of drama and theater techniques in creating impactful experiences for young audiences, highlighting the need for continued learning and adaptation to meet evolving needs in the field.
Sam's ADTY Photo Highlights
Sam Carter (She/Her/Hers) is a Michigan based Teaching Artist, Arts Manager, Accessibility Designer, Choreographer, Director, and Actor. She is a current MFA candidate at Eastern Michigan University studying Applied Drama and Theatre for the Young. Sam’s research focuses on creating theatre for, with, and about individuals with physical and neuro differences. Sam is a TimeSlips certified facilitator, and works as a Lead Instructor at Open Spot Theatre Company, Spinning Dot Theatre, and Bounce Dot Dance. Through these organizations she is able to provide equitable and accessible theatre and dance training to students of all ages and abilities. Additionally, Sam is a King-Chavez-Parks Future Faculty Fellow with intent to teach theatre at the collegiate level upon her graduation in 2024. Sam obtained her BFA in Acting from Michigan State University with minors in dance, musical theatre, and arts and cultural management. Sam is an active artist in the community, currently serving as the creator, director, choreographer, and lyricist of Eastern Michigan University Theatre for the Young Tour's sensory theatre production of Ronnie and Scales' Magnificent Tale. This new work is an immersive, multi-sensory theatre adventure designed for neurodivergent individuals and special education classrooms. To learn more about Sam's work and creative endeavors visit thesamcarter.com.
Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
In this episode of the "State of Field" podcast, host Robert Smith welcomes Jessica "Decky" Alexander, a distinguished faculty member in the ADTY program at Eastern Michigan University. Decky's extensive background includes teaching Applied Drama and Theater, serving as the program director for Engage@EMU, and founding the Limelight Theater Company. With her recent publication, "A Tale of Telling Some Truths to Power in Applied Theatre with Youth" (Routledge 2021), Decky brings a wealth of experience to the discussion. The conversation delves into the definitions of Applied Drama and Theater, the power of improvisation in youth engagement, and Decky's vision for the future of Applied Drama and Theater. Prospective students considering the ADTY program will gain valuable insights into its potential and the career options available post-graduation. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the dynamic field of Applied Drama and Theater, leaving listeners inspired and informed.
Decky's Motivation
I am motivated by people that don’t have a voice or access to being heard. That drives almost everything that I do. It’s the deficit, not the asset that drives me.
Decky's Next Goal
Figuring out ways to use art to continue to push social and cultural change in a much larger way.
Jessica ‘Decky’ Alexander is a professor of drama/theatre education at Eastern Michigan University and Director of Engage@EMU, an office whose mission is to cultivate community and university collaboration. Both as a performer and as a faculty member, Decky has used the mediums of theatre and performance to foster voice with underserved and underheard individuals and communities.
Alexander’s current creative and scholarly endeavors include the use of theatre for faculty development; community performance, and community-based learning. Through Engage@EMU, the Family Empowerment Program, a supportive services program in affordable housing, and the Prevention Theatre Collective, a high school theatre program, which creates theatre to assist in the prevention of substance abuse and use.
In 2018, Alexander launched Limelight, a theatre company dedicated to addressing social/cultural problems, through theatre inspired solutions. Recent projects include: Solo Acts: A Theatrical Compilation on Solo Aging; Homebound, a podcast on intergenerational dialogue between seniors and young people during COVID 19; ReGen An Intergenerational Storytelling Experience in partnership with Generations United and Vital: A Fugue on Aging, An Ethnographic Performance on vulnerable seniors and caregivers commissioned by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. All projects are situated in and with Limelight, Alexander's theatre consulting company and collaborative.
Recent publications include: A Tale of Telling Some Truths to Power in Applied Theatre with Youth (Routledge 2021); Disrupting a Disruption or Live Everything, in Community Engagement 2.0? Dialogues on the Future of the Civic in the Disrupted University, and Addressing the Student Debt Crisis: Steps Universities Can Take for Academic Leaders (2019) and the forthcoming Applied Theatre & Youth compendium published by Routledge.
Education
MFA, Drama and Theatre for the Young, Eastern Michigan University, 1996
BA, Theatre and Sociology, Lawrence University, 1991
Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
IIn this delightful episode of the "State of Field" podcast, YunJeong Kim, a second-year MA candidate in the ADTY program at Eastern Michigan University, takes us on a journey through her experiences as an international student, educator, and researcher. With a background in Teaching English as a Second Language and directing youth theater in Korea, YunJeong shares her serendipitous discovery of the ADTY program at EMU and the alignment of its mission with her passion for using applied drama and theater as tools for teaching English. Through insightful conversations, YunJeong reflects on her transition to American college life, the challenges and joys of balancing parenthood with graduate studies, and the invaluable support she received from her family and professional network in Korea. She also offers valuable advice for international students navigating language barriers and cultural adjustments, emphasizing the importance of seeking support and sharing experiences.
Check out YunJeong's amazing Emotional Board Game which helps young actors develop their emotional embodiment techniques ➡➡➡➡➡➡➡
Photos of YunJeong Kim Highlighting her Accomplishments in Theater Education & TYA Performance.
This Emotion Board Game is designed to help participants explore and express a variety of emotions. Each team starts at the starting point on the board, selecting a piece that corresponds to their team color. Each square on the board represents a different emotion, reflecting both the key emotions from the play being explored (in this case, "Transition of Doodle Pequeño") and common emotional situations and challenges. Rolling the dice, teams move to the square that matches the emotion or challenge rolled. Upon reaching a square, team members collaborate for 30 seconds to a minute to perform the given emotion or mission. This process allows for the expression and observation of emotions through interaction with other teams. Landing on a '?' square prompts players to draw a card from the deck in the center, which presents missions involving complex emotions that combine two or more feelings. The game focuses on enhancing the ability to understand and articulate emotions.
Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
This podcast episode features Randy Stewart, a second-year graduate student in the Applied Drama and Theater for Youth program at Eastern Michigan University. Randy's background in Theater and Drama Education led him to enroll in the ADTY graduate program, where he explores his passion for Theater for Young Audiences (TYA) and playwriting. During the interview, Randy discusses his transition from being a public school teacher to a graduate student and how the ADTY program is shaping his career path and goals. He shares insights into the coursework that inspired him to delve into TYA playwriting, particularly with his one-act TYA play "Life of Difer," which explores themes of dysregulated behaviors and isolation in young people. Randy also elaborates on his final project for the ADTY program, organizing Theater in Education conferences, and discusses his aspirations for his career post-graduation. The episode highlights Randy's dedication to TYA and Theater in Education, offering valuable insights into the ADTY graduate program at EMU.
DIFER.docx.pdfOne Act TYA Play "Life of Difer" Adapted & Directed by Randy Stewart
Photos of Randy Stewart Highlighting his Accomplishments in Theater Education & Directing
Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
In our inaugural episode of the "State of Field" podcast, we welcomed Meredith Murphree, a third-year graduate student in the Applied Drama and Theater for Youth program at Eastern Michigan University. Meredith shared her journey from Springfield, Missouri, to pursuing theater education at Truman State University and eventually enrolling in the ADTY program at EMU. As the Tour Manager for the Theatre for the Young tour, Meredith discussed her involvement in creating remarkable study guides for productions like "Hare and Tortoise" and "A Wrinkle in Time," highlighting their importance in breaking down barriers for audiences. She elaborated on the process of crafting study guides, drawing connections to her coursework and emphasizing the value of discussion questions. Meredith's insights shed light on the vital role of study guides in theater education and offered inspiring advice for future ADTY students at Eastern.
Meredith's Edward Tulane Study Guide
Fall 23 Hare and Tortoise Educator PacketSocial Story.pdfMeredith's Hare and Tortoise Study Guide
FINAL Wrinkle in Time Study Guide 2023.pdf
Meredith's A Wrinkle in Time Study Guide
PHOTO: Meredith Murphree with the 2023 Hare and Tortoise Tour Performers
Campus BUilding: 121 Judy Sturgis Hill Building Phone #: 734.487.0535
