In Fall 2025, the JMG held a course where UCF students led drama-based activities focused on story telling
Students in the Fall 2025 Creative Drama course developed drama-based activities focused on personal storytelling for youth of all ages. The workshops were based in playback theatre, which involves listening to audience members’ stories and playing them back through music, movement, and metaphor. This style of theatre is easily modified for different age groups and abilities. Story prompts focused on themes of pride, joy, and moments of growth. Students prepared story formulas with “yes/no” questions for nonverbal participants.
Working in pairs, students developed and facilitated lesson plans at UCF’s Creative School for Children and UCP preschool and elementary school. After reflecting on their experience in schools and revising their lesson plans, they facilitated the workshops in all three children’s hospitals. These students learned to adapt their lessons to different ages, spaces, and abilities. They reflected critically on their teaching artistry and the accessibility of creative drama. In-school students and hospital patients shared their stories with active listeners and received drama-based experiences that supported creative development.