Culturally Responsive Drama

Abstract

What does culturally responsive teaching look like in the drama classroom? As a former NYC public high school teacher and current arts practitioner and educator, I’ve learned that implementing lessons where students feel valued and empowered, focusing on empathy and ensemble in the classroom, removing the teacher from a central classroom role, and actively listening are all facets of both theatre education and culturally responsive teaching. The following article details lists of dramatic activities that provide pathways into students' points-of-view and voices. They are specifically formulated to help create empathy among students and promote risk-taking and perseverance. It is my hope that this article, along with its coordinating website, will serve as a toolkit for educators wanting to incorporate cultural responsiveness in their drama classrooms but are struggling with the “how.”