Course description
Museum theater plays an important role in engaging audiences and helping create emotional connections between visitors and museum objects. Theater can be effective in increasing both curiosity and understanding. However, museum theater is difficult to do well and is often considered a luxury when museums face budget decisions. This course explores the history of museum theater and takes a critical look at what is being produced today. It offers a collaborative approach for museum and theater professionals to develop skills and processes to enhance visitor experiences in a museum or tour environment. Students challenge current paradigms and explore new ideas for delivering sustainable museum theater to an ever-changing audience. The course also examines practical concerns such as actor safety and the additional museum staff resources required to run a museum theater program. Students work in groups to develop a museum theater script and production plan.
