Energy and presence: A journey from theatre lab to teacher training

This article narrates my journey through laboratory physical theatre, focusing on how actor presence emerges from physical training, imagination, intentionality and connection with the audience. It then argues for the significance of these elements in initial teacher training, exploring the concept...

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Main Author: Isabelle Gatt
Format: Article
Language:deu
Published: University College Cork 2024-12-01
Series:SCENARIO: Journal for Performative Teaching, Learning, Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.ucc.ie/index.php/scenario/article/view/4333
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author Isabelle Gatt
author_facet Isabelle Gatt
author_sort Isabelle Gatt
collection DOAJ
description This article narrates my journey through laboratory physical theatre, focusing on how actor presence emerges from physical training, imagination, intentionality and connection with the audience. It then argues for the significance of these elements in initial teacher training, exploring the concept of teacher presence and examining to create a more embodied and active engagement in the classroom, similar to the craft of an actor in performance. By integrating actor-training, I propose that presence is something developed through laboratory theatre training techniques. In my work with student teachers, I incorporate such techniques to work on their energetic presence, enabling them to create richer emotional connections with their students. Research indicates that strong teacher-student relationships significantly impact academic achievement, motivation, and engagement. These relationships flourish when teachers leverage their mental, physical, and emotional resources, suggesting that presence is not merely an innate quality but a skill that can be developed through specific actor-training exercises. Student logs of reflections on the drama module sessions will illustrate the transformative impact of this training on their confidence, teaching practices, and the relationships cultivated within the classroom. Ultimately, I posit that when educators engage their intellect, emotions, and creativity, they can create dynamic learning environments that resonate with authenticity and connection.
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issn 1649-8526
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publishDate 2024-12-01
publisher University College Cork
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series SCENARIO: Journal for Performative Teaching, Learning, Research
spelling doaj-art-72e71c2bea054786a3d1afc48685a7de2025-02-11T15:32:44ZdeuUniversity College CorkSCENARIO: Journal for Performative Teaching, Learning, Research1649-85262024-12-0118210.33178/scenario.18.2.5Energy and presence: A journey from theatre lab to teacher trainingIsabelle Gatt0University of Malta This article narrates my journey through laboratory physical theatre, focusing on how actor presence emerges from physical training, imagination, intentionality and connection with the audience. It then argues for the significance of these elements in initial teacher training, exploring the concept of teacher presence and examining to create a more embodied and active engagement in the classroom, similar to the craft of an actor in performance. By integrating actor-training, I propose that presence is something developed through laboratory theatre training techniques. In my work with student teachers, I incorporate such techniques to work on their energetic presence, enabling them to create richer emotional connections with their students. Research indicates that strong teacher-student relationships significantly impact academic achievement, motivation, and engagement. These relationships flourish when teachers leverage their mental, physical, and emotional resources, suggesting that presence is not merely an innate quality but a skill that can be developed through specific actor-training exercises. Student logs of reflections on the drama module sessions will illustrate the transformative impact of this training on their confidence, teaching practices, and the relationships cultivated within the classroom. Ultimately, I posit that when educators engage their intellect, emotions, and creativity, they can create dynamic learning environments that resonate with authenticity and connection. https://journals.ucc.ie/index.php/scenario/article/view/4333PresenceEnergyDrama workshopLaboratory theatreTeacher trainingStudent reflections
spellingShingle Isabelle Gatt
Energy and presence: A journey from theatre lab to teacher training
SCENARIO: Journal for Performative Teaching, Learning, Research
Presence
Energy
Drama workshop
Laboratory theatre
Teacher training
Student reflections
title Energy and presence: A journey from theatre lab to teacher training
title_full Energy and presence: A journey from theatre lab to teacher training
title_fullStr Energy and presence: A journey from theatre lab to teacher training
title_full_unstemmed Energy and presence: A journey from theatre lab to teacher training
title_short Energy and presence: A journey from theatre lab to teacher training
title_sort energy and presence a journey from theatre lab to teacher training
topic Presence
Energy
Drama workshop
Laboratory theatre
Teacher training
Student reflections
url https://journals.ucc.ie/index.php/scenario/article/view/4333
work_keys_str_mv AT isabellegatt energyandpresenceajourneyfromtheatrelabtoteachertraining