New Cycle Coming: Spring 2014
Overview:
The “Why” Factor workshop, is an extension of a graduate thesis project which explored decision making with African Diaspora male undergraduate college students. During the post workshop interview the participants articulated a need for ongoing programming that allowed them to creatively dialogue about issues and challenges that impact them daily. The research data has indicated that the processes used are valuable, transformative and necessary for the healthy development of this population. Negotiating the transition from teenage years into adulthood is fraught with new challenges, roles and responsibilities. One of the most potentially significant decisions for a young adult is to pursue or not to pursue college. It has been argued that for many young black males, college is a gateway to new possibilities tempered by the fear of the unknown. Through innovative programs like BMI, fewer young people are finding themselves succumbing to their fears and slipping through the cracks. The “WHY” Factor, provides concrete opportunities for participants to practice different ways of being successful. What success will look like will be dependent on how the participants make meaning of the concept of success for themselves. For some it may be completing their studies, developing healthy relationships or working for a reputable company, while for others it may mean moving in a more entrepreneurial direction. Applied Theatre specializes in offering participants opportunities to negate challenges, practice success and develop healthy options for real life through creative interventions.
The WHY Factor, utilizes applied theatre practices to develop useful tools in developing life skills.
What we are offering through the workshop:
● An opportunity to play with different artistic forms as a means of self-expression
● An opportunity for students to practice communication, presentation, and critical thinking skills
● An opportunity to use theatre to explore decision making processes as they relate to black masculinity, relationships, culture, college life and urban living.
● An opportunity to prepare for academic and workplace success
● An opportunity to become more civically engaged.
● An opportunity to develop leadership skills
Teaching/Learning Methodology:
The workshop will utilize guest facilitator’s, workshop discussions, readings, multimedia, civic engagement, small group activities and theatre techniques as exploratory/learning tools. Participants are expected to make presentations, through group exercises and structured group exercises, on issues, problems or concerns they have in their own lives that may be transformed through practicing life in a theatrical framework.
The key components that will be used to activate new knowledge and foster behavior change are:
• Campus workshop sessions
• Volunteerism
• Community engagement
• Social Media and technology
• Mentorship
The “WHY” Factor / Founders:
Antonio Lyons, MA, Arts Educator has a MA in Applied Theatre from City University of New York’s School of Professional Studies. He is a professional artist whose work straddles multiple disciplines and resonates globally. He devises and implements creative interventions that facilitate behavioral change and community development. He is the co-founder of The “WHY” Factor and Founder of We Are Here, which was originally conceived and presented in Johannesburg, South Africa through the aid of a Fulbright Award. It explores a number of issues and themes from the male perspective as well as challenges faced by men and boys as they interrogate and explore their identities and societal roles. A few of his acting credits include: American History X, Hotel Rwanda, 24, Generations and New York Undercover. He has released two cd's: We Dance We Pray and Human Jewels.
Julia Reimer, PhD, Theatre Educator teaches and directs Theatre at Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, California. She has a PhD in Performance Studies from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She also holds a MA in Applied Theatre through CUNY’s School of Professional Studies.
The “Why” Factor workshop, is an extension of a graduate thesis project which explored decision making with African Diaspora male undergraduate college students. During the post workshop interview the participants articulated a need for ongoing programming that allowed them to creatively dialogue about issues and challenges that impact them daily. The research data has indicated that the processes used are valuable, transformative and necessary for the healthy development of this population. Negotiating the transition from teenage years into adulthood is fraught with new challenges, roles and responsibilities. One of the most potentially significant decisions for a young adult is to pursue or not to pursue college. It has been argued that for many young black males, college is a gateway to new possibilities tempered by the fear of the unknown. Through innovative programs like BMI, fewer young people are finding themselves succumbing to their fears and slipping through the cracks. The “WHY” Factor, provides concrete opportunities for participants to practice different ways of being successful. What success will look like will be dependent on how the participants make meaning of the concept of success for themselves. For some it may be completing their studies, developing healthy relationships or working for a reputable company, while for others it may mean moving in a more entrepreneurial direction. Applied Theatre specializes in offering participants opportunities to negate challenges, practice success and develop healthy options for real life through creative interventions.
The WHY Factor, utilizes applied theatre practices to develop useful tools in developing life skills.
What we are offering through the workshop:
● An opportunity to play with different artistic forms as a means of self-expression
● An opportunity for students to practice communication, presentation, and critical thinking skills
● An opportunity to use theatre to explore decision making processes as they relate to black masculinity, relationships, culture, college life and urban living.
● An opportunity to prepare for academic and workplace success
● An opportunity to become more civically engaged.
● An opportunity to develop leadership skills
Teaching/Learning Methodology:
The workshop will utilize guest facilitator’s, workshop discussions, readings, multimedia, civic engagement, small group activities and theatre techniques as exploratory/learning tools. Participants are expected to make presentations, through group exercises and structured group exercises, on issues, problems or concerns they have in their own lives that may be transformed through practicing life in a theatrical framework.
The key components that will be used to activate new knowledge and foster behavior change are:
• Campus workshop sessions
• Volunteerism
• Community engagement
• Social Media and technology
• Mentorship
The “WHY” Factor / Founders:
Antonio Lyons, MA, Arts Educator has a MA in Applied Theatre from City University of New York’s School of Professional Studies. He is a professional artist whose work straddles multiple disciplines and resonates globally. He devises and implements creative interventions that facilitate behavioral change and community development. He is the co-founder of The “WHY” Factor and Founder of We Are Here, which was originally conceived and presented in Johannesburg, South Africa through the aid of a Fulbright Award. It explores a number of issues and themes from the male perspective as well as challenges faced by men and boys as they interrogate and explore their identities and societal roles. A few of his acting credits include: American History X, Hotel Rwanda, 24, Generations and New York Undercover. He has released two cd's: We Dance We Pray and Human Jewels.
Julia Reimer, PhD, Theatre Educator teaches and directs Theatre at Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, California. She has a PhD in Performance Studies from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She also holds a MA in Applied Theatre through CUNY’s School of Professional Studies.
