Attend a public workshop

TONYC hosts a Joker Training intensive weekend 1-2 times a year, as well as occasional workshops on specific techniques or with special guest facilitators.

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Host a workshop

We offer workshops with games, exercises, and facilitation ranging in length from 2 hours to 3 months. Our facilitators are based in New York City, and are available to conduct online workshops. These workshops can introduce your group to Theatre of the Oppressed, or can be customized to apply the tools to the needs and focus of your group.

Complete an Online Workshop Request to receive information and rates. For in-person workshops, see the link below.

Introduction to Theatre of the Oppressed

1.5-2 hrs

Play essential games from the arsenal of Theatre of the Oppressed and participate in a forum theatre demonstration. Connect the tool of Theatre of the Oppressed to human rights and oppression as it affects your community through dialogue and brainstorming.

Introduction & Creation of Forum Scenes

5-8 hrs

A more in-depth exploration and application of Theatre of the Oppressed. Participants will be introduced to Forum Theatre, and then create their own short scenes around community issues. Time can also be included to discuss how to facilitate TO games.

Introspective Techniques

3 hrs-2 days

Cops in the Head and Rainbow of Desire are theatre exercises from Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed. These techniques can be used to explore internalized oppression and effect positive change in a variety of spaces, including workplaces, community organizing, and youth development.

Forum Scenes and Joker Training

12-20 hrs

During a multi-day intensive, participants are introduced to the techniques of Theatre of the Oppressed and create Forum scenes. In longer workshops, participants also receive facilitation training to conduct this process in their communities, and practice the role of the Joker to mediate discussion between actors and “spect-actors”.

 

Theatre of the Oppressed NYC has facilitated workshops with the Eileen Fisher Leadership Institute, New Haven/Léon Sister City Project, Columbia University Teachers College, AVODAH (New York City and New Orleans), Boston University School of Theatre, American Jewish World Service, Safe Horizon, KulturKompaniet Norway, Baruch College (CUNY), Colorado College, Red Hook Initiative, The New School, and more!

Rates are on a sliding scale based on the size of your organization, resources available to your community, and any additional costs such as travel outside of NYC.  Until further notice, TONYC is not conducting any in-person trainings. Our facilitators are available for online Theatre of the Oppressed Workshops. Please fill out our an online workshop request form to receive more details. If you would like information to plan an in-person workshop in 2021, please send a request a workshop with this form.

Looking for a new way to engage press and officials at a rally? Need a performance to enliven your community engagement? Our Rapid Response Troupe might be the right fit!