“Not the Leading Role of Life”: Fatphobia in Educational Theatre & Its Impact on Larger-Bodied Adolescent Girls

Abstract

This article seeks to shed light on larger-bodied adolescent girls’ experiences of fatphobia in educational theatre. It investigates the forms that fatphobia can take in educational theatre (in schools, camps, and youth theaters), and the impact of these experiences on larger-bodied girls’ body image and self-esteem. The issue is considered in relationship to the role of anti-fat bias in society broadly, the representation of larger-bodied women in theatre, and presence of bias in casting. Methods of data collection consist of a review of existing research and writing, and interviews with seven voluntary participants, all larger-bodied individuals assigned female at birth who participated in educational theatre as adolescents. The study identifies areas of concern, including typecasting and costuming, and areas of impact, including internalized negative messaging and low self-esteem, and suggests a path forward for theatre educators to combat fatphobia in their own programs. It asks: If fatphobia is present in theatre education, and has a negative impact on the health and wellness of larger-bodied adolescent girls, how can theatre educators do better?