SCT’s Community Engagement Programming brings professional Teaching Artists into classrooms and community spaces. We’re excited to introduce a new workshop, Theatre Arts for Self-Care, now available for students in grades 9-12. This 60 or 90-minute workshop is designed to support high school students’ social emotional development through the technique of theatre.
Students will learn to identify their feelings to improve their mental wellbeing, and acquire concrete strategies for managing stress. Students will practice self-care through a variety of exercises including reflective writing, breathing techniques, and mindful movement, while being led by SCT’s teaching artists.
How can theatre arts help teens with their social & emotional needs?
A CONVERSTION WITH THE SCT TEACHING ARTISTS WHO DESIGNED THE WORKSHOP:
Tell us a bit about what students can expect from this workshop.
Martha: Students can expect a low-pressure environment where they decide how much they are comfortable participating. My goal with this workshop is that every student leaves feeling a bit more empowered to take care of themselves, and to recognize when they need to seek help from an outside source.
Josh: [Teens] can expect to have an honest conversation about mental wellness and self care while destigmatizing some toxic messaging that surrounds mental health.
Josh: [Teens] can expect to have an honest conversation about mental wellness and self care while destigmatizing some toxic messaging that surrounds mental health.
Why do you think Theatre Arts is a useful way for teenagers to communicate about social emotional needs?
Adriana: Art has healing qualities. It often helps us discover new things about ourselves when we take time to look at things from another angle. So many of our everyday practices are intertwined with proven therapeutic exercises.
Martha: Theatre has a unique way of breaking down mental barriers – such as the stigmas we might hold around talking about our mental health. By approaching this sometimes difficult topic conversationally and with theatre games, we de-stigmatize the topic and might even make it fun!
Martha: Theatre has a unique way of breaking down mental barriers – such as the stigmas we might hold around talking about our mental health. By approaching this sometimes difficult topic conversationally and with theatre games, we de-stigmatize the topic and might even make it fun!
Why do you think it’s important for teenagers to have access to this workshop, especially now
Adriana: Youth voices are very important. Our teens live complex lives, are very aware of their surroundings, and are transitioning to having more and more responsibilities. It is important for them to have the skills to recognize their emotions and be able to self-manage and advocate for themselves.
Josh: Mental health and wellness aren’t talked about enough. Teens are so smart and resilient, but what this workshop does is offers tools to make dealing with the stresses of life, especially in a pandemic, a bit more manageable. Teenagers are at a place in their development where stressors can feel really intense. This workshop aims to help alleviate some of that pressure so they can build healthy emotional habits.
Josh: Mental health and wellness aren’t talked about enough. Teens are so smart and resilient, but what this workshop does is offers tools to make dealing with the stresses of life, especially in a pandemic, a bit more manageable. Teenagers are at a place in their development where stressors can feel really intense. This workshop aims to help alleviate some of that pressure so they can build healthy emotional habits.
Why is it important for educators to consider this kind of programming?
Martha: As educators, we care about our students’ well-being, and the classroom environment we create. Helping students understand how to cope and self-regulate during challenges not only aids their health and safety, but also the overall function of the entire classroom.
 | Martha Kathryn Smith (she/they) is so excited to return to the SCT team! Previously she has worked as both an actor and teaching artist with SCT, on the Mainstage in The Little Prince, teaching workshops for the tour of Above Between Below, and playing Syd in the Washington tours of Ghosted, a show geared toward high school students that addresses common mental health concerns. Marty cares deeply about using theatre as a gateway to create space that empowers, uplifts, and enlightens everyone who needs it. They hold a BFA in Musical Theater from Cornish College of the Arts. |
 | Adriana Wright (she/her) currently serves as the Arts-Based Learning Curriculum Coordinator at SCT and serves as the Director of Advocacy for the DEAW. In addition, Adriana works as a Teaching Artist for a variety of Community Education Programs in the greater Seattle area, where she teaches creative movement and adaptive dance in public schools, community centers and enrichment programs. Adriana approaches curriculum using research and experimentation through the basic elements of choreography, creative movement, and literature. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cornish College of the Arts with a BFA in Dance. She has performed in various works by artists in Seattle, San Diego, and Mexico. Adriana’s choreographic work has been presented through Seattle International Dance Festival, On the Boards Northwest New Works, Velocity Dance Center's Bridge Project, Cornish College of the Arts and Southwestern Community College. |
 | Josh Padilla (he/him/his) is a teaching artist and performer based in Seattle. He graduated from New Mexico State University in 2010 with a BA in theater arts. He started his journey with SCT as a part of their 2018-2019 apprenticeship program and hasn’t looked back since. When not expanding student’s minds through imaginative play or creative skill building, you can find him in the local theater and improv scenes. |
