Applied Theatre: The Key Concepts

This accessible book outlines the key ideas that define the global phenomenon of applied theatre, not only its theoretical underpinning, its origins and practice, but also providing eight real-life examples drawn from a diversity of forms and settings.

The clearly arranged topic sections entitled When, What, Who, Why and Where emphasise the responsive nature of applied theatre, its social context and the importance of a beneficial outcome for participants, which can connect fields as disparate as health, criminal justice, education and migration. Labels and terms are explained, along with applied theatre’s core values, motivations and objectives, allowing the reader to build a coherent understanding of its distinguishing features.

Applied Theatre: The Key Concepts is aimed at students, academics, artists and practitioners of applied theatre as well as those with an interest in this vital blend of social and creative practice.

Dr Kay Hepplewhite is an academic and practitioner specialising in applied, community and social theatres. Her work connects research, education and artist development with participatory performance and facilitation. She has a PhD (University of Manchester, UK) and is Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy. Dr Hepplewhite has been a senior lecturer in the UK for many years, including at Northumbria University and York St John University. She writes and reviews for academic journals, including RiDE: The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance, and has published a monograph, The Applied Theatre Artist: Responsivity and Expertise in Practice (2020), as well as chapters on applied theatre in several edited collections.