CSR RIGHT NOW
The ART of Community Engagement
A look at the fantastic Education and Community Programs Department at the American Repertory Theater
Completely focused on exposing their Cambridge community to new theatrical experiences, the Education and Community Programs Department (ECP) at the A.R.T. engages a variety of audiences in deeply impactful ways. Driving everything they do is their philosophy that theater is for all — physically, psychologically and financially.
Even more amazing than this guiding philosophy is the way in which they act upon it. By using each show as inspiration, they create deep-reaching programs that extend the boundaries of the show. A great example is their work on the A.R.T.’s current show, O.P.C.
To start, O.P.C. is a new comedy that admonishes our society’s addiction to “new” and questions our definition of “waste”. In short, it is the world premiere of eco-theater.
ECP took this as an opportunity to highlight some artists in the Boston and Cambridge communities and showcase their work through displays and workshops. As guests meander through the lobby of the A.R.T., they first encounter the Recycled Living Room by Artists for Humanity. It is a small seating area with a rug, bench, shelves and lights all made from “trash”. Artists for Humanity is a perfect partner in the community engagement aspect of O.P.C. because they seek to provide employment in the arts for under-privileged youth and inspire these youth to use their art in helping our planet.
As guests continue meandering, they come across several photographs that juxtapose trash and nature. These were all taken by high school students of a nearby high school. Of course, all the students whose work was chosen has been invited to see the show!
Finally, guests see some works of high “trashion”. These are beautiful dresses designed by a local seamstress. She made them out of old curtains, old playing cards and old comic books.
All around the lobby is information about these displays, which turn them into educational experiences. In addition, there are facts and quotes written all over the lobby that teach guests important tid bits of knowledge throughout their intermission mingling.
However, the most incredible installment is by far the Swap Shop. This is a station where people are encouraged to swap out an item for something they have that they believe carries equal value. But here’s the cool thing: IT CAN BE ANYTHING! The whole purpose is to screw our perception of value. To challenge why we think a phone charger is worth swapping for a pen and why a poster is worth swapping for a necklace!
On top of these lobby experiences, ECP has also organized local artists and makers to conduct skill shares before various performances. These are to engage not only audience-members, but also the local artists, in the theater-making and social movement experiences. One of these skill shares is going to be a book-making workshop. In another, a man who makes sculptures out of ruined bikes will lead a lesson. Another person will teach how to cook from your own garden.
Trough these experiences, the audience and the artist get to meet and develop a connection rooted at the A.R.T., which naturally deepens their connection with the A.R.T. Though this is but a snapshot of ECP’s fascinating work, it shows us how rewarding it is to invite the community into your programs and engage them in your responsibility efforts.
Disclaimer: I am currently interning at the A.R.T., so I might be biased. In fact, I’m definitely biased because I love the A.R.T. However, since I have an inside knowledge of how the Education and Community Programs Department works, I know first-hand that it is truly amazing.
