ABOUT
​Welcome to our space where we uncover the untold stories and forgotten histories in drama and theatre for the young. Here, you'll find a collection of biographies and images of BIPOC TYA artists, drama facilitators/practitioners and audiences who were influential to the field of Drama, Youth Theatre, Children's Theatre and Children or Youth. ​​
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GOALS OF THIS PROJECT
​The goal of this national research project is to document unwritten and illuminate hidden history facts/experiences that have been pushed to the margins in order to maintain the status quo. We propose working together to find, document and share some of the BIPOC TYA artists, drama facilitators/practitioners* and audiences. We hope to help move the field forward by digging into the past. To Consider: What happens if we don’t uncover hidden histories?
* We want to recognize that these titles/labels may not be helpful or appropriate. The artists/educators/leaders may identify as storytellers, diversors, social workers, etc. instead of drama or theatre artists. That’s ok! All are welcome. They may have focused on applied drama/theatre, multidisciplinary, or/and community engagement work. Great! All are welcome. Perhaps their work was for communities/families/multigenerational audiences and not “children” or “youth” specifically. ALL are welcome. ​​​
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Left to Right: Elizabeth Horn, Joshua Streeter, Shavonne Coleman, Meriah Sage, Kristala Pouncy Smart
LATEST UPDATE
Shavonne Coleman and Meriah Sage published an article "The Opposite of Absence is To Occupy"in ArtsPraxis sharing some of their research regarding this project. You can find it here.
INVITATION
Join us and work together to find our past.
While ANY name, connection, and story is welcome, we invite you to look in your local area/region. What is happening or has happened there? Who do you know of? Who has worked in drama and/or theatre for youth, families or multi-age communities? What organizations are/were there?
Note: We acknowledge that gathering and researching will likely happen in waves. It may be that a group/researcher just explores one person or part of an organization. We invite you to participate at your own level and in your own way. We recognize traditional academic research creates barriers of financial, technical, and literary access. We are excited to explore alternative forms of gathering and distributing information (i.e. panel discussions, oral histories) throughout this process.
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Contact us at: hiddenanderasedproject@gmail.com