Dramaturgy as a Method for Experiential Program Design

Andrew Martin, Sarah Leberman, James Neill

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper analyzes a holistic method of experiential program design, “dramaturgy.” Dramaturgy, a theatre term, involves the development of themes and is characterized by the dramaturgy wave, which intertwines a wide variety of social, physical, creative, and reflective “games.” The dramaturgy aims to enhance the challenge to participants in ways other than physical and is adapted during the program for the specific needs of the individuals and group. The findings are based on the content analysis of 70 participant responses to open-ended questions up until two years after a two-week course for international participants. The course was held in the Czech Republic in 1997 and 1998, and then Mailed at Outward Bound Australia in 1999. The results identified that the development of the course dramaturgy is an effective method of program design that has implications for the next generation of experiential program development.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)196-206
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Experiential Education
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes

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