THEATRE IN EDUCATION

TIE refers to a coordinated set of theatre-based educational activities that are generally centered on a subject that has relevance to both the children s lives as well as the school curriculum. An array of studies have demonstrated the benefits of TIE in positively improving young people s knowledge, attitudes and behavior in relation to various life skills and health topics, including: health risk behaviors such as AIDS/HIV and smoking; nutrition and healthy eating; financial literacy; social issues, and; bullying. A review of the literature of TIE reveals a wide variety of program characteristics, including: the use of puppets or actors; inclusion of follow-up classroom activities; the use of music; participatory techniques such as role playing, and; research/theory based performances. The effectiveness of TIE programs will be discussed according to these criteria, to determine how the different program characteristics may contribute to the success or otherwise of such programs.