Theatre-in-Action uses interactive, participatory theatre as a tool for bullying prevention, conflict transformation, and social justice education. Based in Burlington, Vermont, Theatre-in-Action works with schools, social service agencies, and community organizations to explore, act, reflect, and transform their world.

“You have made an impact on all of us and I want you to know that. For me myself you gave me way more confidence and I’m not scared anymore. I hope you can come back!” – Linsey, 5th grade

Theatre-in-Action Programs include:

Exploring images of oppression with 7th and 8th graders

Anti-Oppression Workshops: Unlearn racism, homophobia, ageism, able-ism, sexism and other forms of oppression. 

Bullying Prevention Workshops: Our signature drama-integrated bullying prevention program is available for 9-week, 12-week, or custom-designed residencies. Using interactive storytelling and performance techniques, participants build a toolbox of bullying prevention skills from their own experiences and perspectives. Age range: Grades k -12 / Educators, Administrators, School Staff

Devised Theatre & Playbuilding Workshops: Creatively express yourself through dramatic storytelling! Learn the craft of playbuilding by brainstorming, creating, and performing original, issue-based plays. Available in full-day, multi-day, week-long, or multi-week sessions. Possible themes for exploration may include: high school social pressures, immigration/refugee rights, cultural competency, trans* and queer rights, women’s rights, workplace conflicts. Post-performance discussions and/or workshops can expand on themes presented. Age range: 12 – Adult.

Conflict Resolution, Team-Building, Leadership Training: Collaborate with your group in  team-building activities for conflict management and action-based problem-solving. Together, your group will learn drama techniques to focus on collective issues or roadblocks to success while unleashing your creative selves to strategize alternatives.

Identity & Empowerment Workshops: These stand-alone or multi-session workshops utilize drama strategies with at-risk and marginalized populations to investigate and define participants’ desires, needs, feelings, assumptions, and collective vision in order to find solidarity, healing, and empowerment. Possible participants might include: homeless and runaway youth, GLBTQA-identified youth and adults, women in crisis, refugees, incarcerated youth and adults, people with disabilities.  

“Theatre-in-Action taught me how to stand up for myself.”

Theatre-in-Action Project Partners

Vermont Adult Learning

Vermont Association of Middle Level Educators

Charlotte Central School

Integrated Arts Academy, Burlington

Champlain College

Helen Day Art Center, Stowe

St. Albans Town Educational Center

Rose Street Artists’ Cooperative, Burlington

YWCA Vermont

Camp Outright at Outright Vermont