Level 1: Introduction to Building Forum Theatre

Our 2026 Spring Level 1 training will introduce participants to Theatre of the Oppressed NYC’s process of creating forum theatre performances. Via separate online and in-person sections, we will explore TONYC’s Wildcard Workbook, and demonstrate the activities! This training is for community organizers, artists, and engaged community members who plan to apply to Forum Theatre to engage groups in action toward social change. Please note: Level 1 as an introduction for facilitating Forum Theatre draws from TONYC’s best practices. For deeper practice doing your own facilitation, please join our trainings for experienced facilitators.

This training is a collaborative process with other members of the workshop, so we prefer participants attend all online and in-person training sessions. We will save a limited number of spots for folks who can only join us for Part 1.

For any questions about this training, please contact Sulu LeoNimm at [email protected]. To receive updates about future trainings, sign up for our mailing list.

Part 1 - Online Zoom Session

Dates: April 6 AND April 13
Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm Eastern Time (use Meeting Planner to check your time zone)
Location: Zoom
Facilitators: Ania Upstill & Marcela Artunduaga 

Part 1 of this training includes two sessions to review how we use games, dramaturgy, Image Theatre, and Aesthetics of the Oppressed to explore stories of oppression in rehearsal. We will examine the theory and politics of the work while staying firmly rooted in practice, and also focus on story-sharing to preparation for our in-person work.

Part 2 - In-Person Sessions in New York City

Dates: 

• Friday, April 17: 5:30pm-8:30 
• Saturday, April 18:  11am-5pm
• Sunday, April 19: 11am-5pm

Location: Midtown, NYC

During Part 2, participants will take their stories of oppression, build Forum Theatre scenes, and apply rehearsal exercises to refine them. Participants will also begin to practice jokering games and Forum Theatre.

The primary resource for this training will be The Wildcard Workbook.  Readings will be assigned in-between sessions and we will explore chapters together on our feet as well. 

Rate and Payment Info:

• The full training is offered a sliding scale between $300-$700. You can apply to pay based on your financial means, the value you wish to receive, or your desire to support. 

• Note: The standard rate for the full training is $525. This includes a suggested donation of $25 for the Wildcard Workbook PDF. Payment above the standard is a supportive rate that allows us to make this training accessible to those who cannot contribute the standard rate at this time. TONYC will not be evaluating your needs to determine your pay rate.  We are asking each individual to make an honest self-assessment of their own needs as well as economic/institutional privilege to select their own fee with integrity and mindfulness. Those who are only available for Part 1 of the training are expected to pay a flat fee of $300.

• If accepted into the training, a non-refundable $50 deposit will be required to reserve your spot by July 26th. The balance of your workshop fee is due by August 2nd. Advance payment of workshop fees supports TONYC in opening spots to people on the waiting list. If your access to funds means you need a payment plan or adjusted payment schedule, please contact Sulu at [email protected]

• Training fees are non-refundable during the 7 days before the training, and may not be credited to a future training. Exceptions will only be considered at our discretion.

Application: Applications are due March 1.  Please apply using this Google Form. Confirmations will be sent by March 5th.  If you do not hear from us by that date please contact us.  

If a group or organization is planning to apply for a group of participants, please submit individual applications, and include your affiliation in the “About Me” section. You are welcome to email Sulu at [email protected] with questions about applications and payment. 

COVID Policy: In order to keep our community safe, we require attendees to wear masks, unless they have received a negative COVID test result within 24 hours of the event. Please bring a photo of your negative test result or a test will be provided onsite.