Formulating a model for personal and professional development using a research methodology in solo autobiographical performance

The workshop will offer an autobiographical performance by the presenter followed by a workshop and discussion that will explore the potential for using solo performance for personal and professional development using the rigor of a research methodology. The workshop will be of particular interest for those who want to make clearer links with practice as a Drama Therapist, artist and researcher. The model utilises specific research methodologies to explore the synthesis of research and performance. The performance is an ongoing development using heuristic research methodology and an action research style approach to explore practice as a therapist and Dramatherapy trainer. Ethrington (2002) suggests that heuristic research offers the opportunity for therapeutic development whilst offering a critical gaze on therapist’s practice that can mirror supervision practice. Action research explores our own story in the company of others, who are also exploring their story (McNiff, 2007). In respect of both research approaches the audience, participants and witnesses of the performance help inform the development of the model using solo autobiographical performance. The post show workshop will explore the synthesis of three disciplines of Drama Therapist, artist and researcher to explore personal themes and obstacles that might impact on practice as a Drama Therapist. Yalom (2002) makes a clear link with personal themes and professional themes, suggesting where one is stuck personally one is also stuck professionally. The workshop will be co-facilitated to develop participant reflection; focusing on archetypal motifs and myth elicited from the performance; the impact of theatre and how the imagination can be cultivated specifically for personal and professional development using the characteristics of heuristic research.

The workshop will offer an autobiographical performance by the presenter followed by a workshop and discussion that will explore the potential for using solo performance for personal and professional development using the rigor of a research methodology. The workshop will be of particular interest for those who want to make clearer links with practice as a Drama Therapist, artist and researcher. The model utilises specific research methodologies to explore the synthesis of research and performance. The performance is an ongoing development using heuristic research methodology and an action research style approach to explore practice as a therapist and Dramatherapy trainer. Ethrington (2002) suggests that heuristic research offers the opportunity for therapeutic development whilst offering a critical gaze on therapist’s practice that can mirror supervision practice. Action research explores our own story in the company of others, who are also exploring their story (McNiff, 2007). In respect of both research approaches the audience, participants and witnesses of the performance help inform the development of the model using solo autobiographical performance.
The post show workshop will explore the synthesis of three disciplines of Drama Therapist, artist and researcher to explore personal themes and obstacles that might impact on practice as a Drama Therapist. Yalom (2002) makes a clear link with personal themes and professional themes, suggesting where one is stuck personally one is also stuck professionally. The workshop will be co-facilitated to develop participant reflection; focusing on archetypal motifs and myth elicited from the performance; the impact of theatre and how the imagination can be cultivated specifically for personal and professional development using the characteristics of heuristic research.