Respect for Facilitating
In 1973 Uta Hagen published Respect for Acting to dispel the myths and opinions on the craft of acting, such as: “You’re just born to be an actor”; “Actors don’t really know what they’re doing on stage”; “Acting is just instinct—it can’t be taught.”
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I believe it’s now time for ‘Respect for Facilitating’ to equally dispel the myths of drama facilitation, such as "anyone can do it", or "it's just a bit of fun" or "all you do is play games"!
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The role of the drama facilitator is as an art/craft in its own right, from the Drama Process work pioneered by Dorothy Heathcote and the community co-created ensemble work of Joan Littlewood in the 50's and 60's, through to the Applied Theatre practice in the 80’s and 90's with people like Cecily O’Neill. I now see drama facilitation and participatory arts, championing inclusive practice across the culture sector.
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Throughout 2024 I am undertaking a year-long research project to better understand the craft of drama facilitation and its status within the cultural industries in the UK. I look forward to asking questions, testing theories, exploring the craft and sharing practices.
About Me
I am a drama facilitator, director, writer and producer with over 30 years of experience, working with a wide variety of ages, abilities and communities. I was the founding artistic director of SAVVY Theatre Company, am the author of several books on Applied Theatre, and an inclusive practice specialist.
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I started facilitating drama workshops for young people in the mid-1990's working with many organisations including London Bubble, Polka Theatre, the Shakespeare Schools Festival, Soho Theatre, the Globe, Mousetrap Theatre Projects, the Royal Academy of Dance and was the Education Officer at Unicorn Theatre.
My first series of play scripts for young people was published in 1999 and since then I have written two further books, multiple teacher handbooks and many articles on applied theatre, inclusive practice and working with youth and community groups.
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In 2007 I established SAVVY Theatre Company which brought all of my combined experience as a street performer, facilitator, writer and director together with the aim of 'creating community through theatre'.
Sheree Vickers
Facilitator & Theatre-Maker
