Course Description

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to three major approaches in drama therapy: Role Theory, Developmental Transformations (DvT), and projective techniques, as well as an opportunities to practice these modalities and apply them to clinical work. Each week of class will include active practice as well as lecture and group discussion. No experience in drama or theatre is required, though a willingness to engage in dramatic play is essential. While the class is intended for mental health practitioners, other healthcare professionals, educators and theatre/performing artists may also benefit from this class and our other classes in drama therapy.

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Course Outline

1. Course Overview and Role Theory (Part 1)

• Class expectations and policies
• Theoretical framework of Role Theory
• Role Theory in drama therapy: Robert Landy and beyond
• The Black American Role Taxonomy (BART) System
• Therapeutic benefits and applications of Role Theory
• Practice with application of Role Theory
• Role Theory video examples and discussion

2. Role Theory (Part 2)

• Role Inventory Analysis
• The Hero’s Journey - exploring further application
• Structuring interventions using Role Theory
• Continued practice with application of Role Theory
• Continued video examples and discussion

3. Developmental Transformations (DvT) with Groups

• Exploration of the terms and concepts of DvT
• Theoretical framework of DvT
• Therapeutic benefits and applications of group DvT
• Practice with DvT
• DvT video examples and discussion

4. Developmental Transformations (DvT) with Individuals

• Processes and core concepts of DvT
• Therapeutic benefits and applications of individual DvT
• Practice with individual DvT
• Continued DvT video examples and discussion

5. Projective Techniques

• Exploration of a variety of projective techniques in drama therapy, such as puppetry, mask work, and art-based interventions
• Main theoretical frameworks of projective techniques
• Therapeutic benefits and applications of projective techniques
• Practice with projective techniques
• Examples and discussion
• Wrap-up

Learner Outcomes

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• engage more freely in creative, dramatic play
• describe the drama therapy approaches of Role Theory, Developmental Transformations, and projective techniques
• design and appropriately apply aspects of these approaches to clinical practice