English through Theatre

Using theatre has been increasingly recognized as an efficient, effective way to learn a foreign language. Traditionally, EFL classrooms have been very left-hemisphere-oriented, with emphases on rational thought and the ability to verbalize with clarity, accuracy, and fluency -- often at the expense of learning approaches that include right hemisphere attributes.

I have designed and taught the following courses:

(Please click for syllabi and course descriptions)

Storytelling Origins and Performance

Active English: Combining Art , English and Social Action

Writing and Creation

Dramatic activities offer experiences in which both hemispheres can play major roles. I propose to move the desks into the back of the room. Learning a second language can be beyond daunting, but when students are given a chance to produce a performance and successfully complete a project a sense of accomplishment is instilled. Theatre plays and scenes are used to complement traditional in-class learning or previous unpracticed knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. Identifying with a character, connecting language with movement and emotion, and cooperating with other students in a highly motivating environment brings a great benefit to learners of all ages, on the level of both language and performance skills.

I have been teaching English through theatre for over 8 years to children, adolescents and adults in various countries, contexts and ages.While working on Social projects involving children, adoledcents and teachers I have had the pleasure of meeting creative and energetic students willing to take chances and create in challenging enviironments and situations. As an professor, I have had the pleasure of seeing students don blond wigs and devise, Technology majors produce a magical version of “A Midsummer Nights Dream”; English literature intellectuals discover the playfulness of Oscar Wilde and Sartre’s “No Exit”.

There are three components which I aim to include in all of my courses. The first is the provision on tools. That is to provide students with basic technique. Such as defining the roles within the theatre and giving the opportunity to play within each of these roles. The second element is the focus, and importance of creation in English. Students learn to effectively communicate in English in order to express their thoughts, opinions and ideas with others. Last of all are the benefits of playing a role.

What are the benefits of performing in English? When teaching EFL students, working in character has lots of particular benefits which meet their language learning needs appropriately and effectively. These are:

the provision of 'real' and active contexts for the language
the need to actively use English with piers and to actively demonstrate listening as well as speaking when giving and receiving direction
opportunities to hear and react others modeling the appropriate language
the opportunity to successfully complete a theatre project in English
opportunities to practice language and take risks in an enjoyable and non-threatening situation
through character development and theatrical strategies for actor creation the chance to develop a new persona who speaks English as a first language
opportunities to repeat language scenarios while using the body rather then being trapped behind a desk in order to practice fluency, expression, and build confidence