Environmental Theater Brigade

Vital Stats

Sierra N

people helped300
People Doing It 12

The Problem

Our world is facing major environmental problems that will impact the future existence of our communities. More importantly, our communities face the direct effects of these environmental issues. Southeast Ohio has the opportunity to progress towards environmental change if we educate people on how they can make a difference on an individual level. The Environmental Street Theater Brigade is a student group of performers who go out into public spaces and perform short educational skits that relate to average students. The goal is to communicate an educational message in a non-conventional way about the importance of caring for the world around us, to as many students as possible. The ultimate objective is to raise awareness and expand discussion from students teaching students. Since the environment is essential to our existence, these skits will help people understand the issues we are facing, why they should care, and what they can do about it.

Plan of Action

The strategy we are using is street brigading. This public performance technique provides an opportunity for students to develop and execute original theatrical performances in public spaces, streets, buildings, indoors and outdoors. This style of theater is similar to the “flash mob.” Each street brigade includes 8 to 10 costumed actors who use theatrical props and movement to educate audiences about specific environmental issues. Each piece lasts approximately 5 to 8 minutes and is versed through a scripted text. Rehearsals are held twice a week, with several performances. This project incorporates several interdisciplinary areas of study including environmental studies, theater and art to communicate knowledge and information in hopes of increasing dialog between students and people about the issues addressed in each performance. So far we have had great success and feed back from our campus, we have a lot of fun and get everyone around us pumped up!