{"id":79614,"date":"2024-06-11T13:39:19","date_gmt":"2024-06-11T18:39:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/casel.org\/?post_type=blogposts&#038;p=79614"},"modified":"2025-03-25T13:56:40","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T18:56:40","slug":"sel-steps-into-the-spotlight-theater-as-the-perfect-setting-for-social-and-emotional-growth","status":"publish","type":"blogposts","link":"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/sel-steps-into-the-spotlight-theater-as-the-perfect-setting-for-social-and-emotional-growth\/","title":{"rendered":"SEL Steps Into the Spotlight: Theater as the Perfect Setting for Social and Emotional Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-points\"><strong>Key Points<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A theater director and educator explains how theater and SEL are complementary and mutually reinforcing fields of study for students\u2019 social and emotional development.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>She describes the innovative and engaging programs at her theater that help support students\u2019 development both as artists and as people.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Theater education also offers an avenue for community-building and community engagement, yet more ways to support overall student well-being and growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Anyone who\u2019s done student theater knows the worst part: that fateful moment when the cast list goes up, and you have to walk up\u2014in public \u2014to see if you got your dream role. Or <em>any <\/em>role. There, in front of everyone, for all to see, and for all to see you seeing it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That was me in school, like Rachel Berry in <em>Glee<\/em> or Sharpay in <em>High School Musical, <\/em>fighting to see if my dreams were fulfilled or dashed. And having to process all those complicated feelings in the open, with an audience, never knowing why I did or didn\u2019t get the role.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, as a director and the artistic producer at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mudlarktheater.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Mudlark Theater<\/strong><\/a> in Evanston, Ill., I want something better for our actors. A better casting process and a more supportive and caring learning environment overall. For me, that means bringing social and emotional learning (SEL) into every aspect of theater education, from auditions to rehearsals to the relationships I build with them over time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-sel-in-theater\"><strong>Why SEL in Theater?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>SEL offers a way to create a safe, welcoming, and empowering place for anyone to learn, explore, and grow. SEL capabilities like communication, empathy, and collaboration are critical to a creative setting. Inversely, theater offers a rich context for practicing the core SEL competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship-building, and responsible decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This focus on SEL is central to the way we educate young actors and produce theater at Mudlark. We see social and emotional development as a critical component of our work. Here\u2019s how we describe the goal for our students: \u201cActors and students learn empathy, listening skills, public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration\u2014strengths that enhance their academic and personal growth and will also prepare them to make a difference in any field they choose to enter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcDLZ_yBK4T172NlxeUTB4QzTzhrvbjyPn9Jc9Y7yDgugzy8oJgP8wpdMYf4kNDqxuibgd_5GjACLv8FeAv_YGXKfR5976wYJQas3kbfFLkQBfojhnB8Dh9eHQx8sWbBsr9XziVkq0ecfiiy9GMKBA8mFYn?key=Eekc1M3HcxG1onQVbm8UlA\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sel-takes-centerstage\"><strong>SEL Takes Centerstage<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of the ways we connect SEL and theater education at Mudlark:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>We inject SEL into the casting process. <\/strong>At Mudlark, we don\u2019t post a public castlist, at least not as the first step. Instead, in my practice I privately send my cast members home with a physical note letting them know which character they will bring to life and what I think they\u2019ll personally bring to the role. I express how excited I am to work with them and see how they grow through the role and the process of creating the play. For me, this is much more than a<em> <\/em>\u201cnice\u201d thing to do. It\u2019s central to how I think theater education, as all education needs to be done: with SEL at its heart.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXe6UOMdu_mhLl_KrKM2-TcYnTbXGKj3v0K6xG5zvz2jEaSvU3Vi22z7UYX8r0oSVh-xLNqwpqqDx0IuZ4hHYiAcPn5GV7_nrAhrwleoA_zNrmQkBxZccvm8qi0pvIprFOcGVzLbcgoFfEtdxjlZsM2iU29d?key=Eekc1M3HcxG1onQVbm8UlA\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>We call them what they are and treat them accordingly. <\/strong>We always refer to our participants as \u201cyouth actors,\u201d not \u201ckids.\u201d I give them a lot of autonomy and expect them to take responsibility for attendance, participation, and bringing the right attitude (and their scripts!) to the rehearsal space. It\u2019s a chance for them to practice important skills like self-management and responsible decision-making.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>We build long-term relationships with our actors. <\/strong>Our goal is to take our actors from their first engagement with us through high school graduation. We often first encounter our actors through our afterschool programs in local districts, then in our classes and programs, and then (once they\u2019re 10 or older) in our mainstage shows. It\u2019s really important for us that the relationship is maintained, and that our ongoing programming allows them to practice their own relationship-building skills with the other actors they may be on stage with over the years.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>We give them the power to create. <\/strong>One of my favorite things about Mudlark is that we focus on many original productions, and some of our scripts are developed from the youth actors themselves. We also have an annual Mudlark production called \u201cMudpie,\u201d in which we do a call-out and submission process throughout the wider community so any youth authors can submit their work: short stories, letters, rants, raves, funny jokes, any kind of writing. Then the entire ensemble works together to turn it into a show, a process that activates self-awareness, social awareness, and collaboration skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfeyCsx4t5uDAoS_mm849_JI_q_NsExV5qpoCBsCQ0x0WdyIRB7uJ8O-x2cXitUuGinU7lEwbrpaTg3KjeKhcWwZndB3AbBsBOL5VFJJn9UbJ065BT3m64Sv-T0wgIKkKtKZrktZw8sMLC4tqM-QFUCYBoQ?key=Eekc1M3HcxG1onQVbm8UlA\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>We actively welcome \u201cfirst-timers.\u201d <\/strong>With our \u201cFirst-Time Auditioner Slot,\u201d we create a welcoming, brave environment for actors who are new to Mudlark or making the jump from classes to our mainstage. Meeting the young actors where they are, we break down the process a bit and offer them a chance to shine in their current artistic state. The younger, first-time auditioners don\u2019t have to audition back-to-back against 13-year-olds who have done this many times before. They get an audition room that is designed to help them thrive with directors who want to see them succeed!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>We engage with families. <\/strong>I strive to bring our Mudlark practice farther than the stage and into the homes of our actors. This happens in multiple ways of engagement. One of my favorite Mudlark moments was when we hosted a potluck event for my production <em>Love, Loss, &amp; What I Ate<\/em>, where actors and their families all came together to celebrate and indulge in their traditional family recipes. Another was during <em>Six Pointed Starlight<\/em>, where each family was invited to submit a photograph of a female ancestor or loved one to be represented during a show focused on sisterhood and migration. This connection strengthens relationships with our young actors, learning more about who they are inside and outside our doors; allowing us to more specifically create art for them and their community.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfcxRQ2cYLcZZD9DjMkpP8SmYLI1iQlFoEHbY3E2LtTLleeXy-ky2cbxliAcs2XUVKS4zxjhiYvOInfxe0K5iV_OS0yPm1GSgXVgqt0RymTjc7MtZsWVY5jQv2vzEPRDucr8N2F_xHFz0rhAxTr3u6nW6wM?key=Eekc1M3HcxG1onQVbm8UlA\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>We give families a voice in the audition process. <\/strong>During the audition process, we welcome parents and guardians to give us notes about the actor before auditions so they have the chance to tell us, \u201cMy actor is really looking for this type of experience.\u201d Sometimes families tell us, \u201cWe\u2019re new to the community and want to find a place here and outside the building.\u201d These insights allow us to deepen our knowledge of the young actor and know more about which production might fit them best.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes I\u2019m asked, \u201cWhat are the different social and emotional capabilities students learn in theater vs. outside theater?\u201d I reply, \u201cAren&#8217;t they the same?\u201d Being an artist means discovering things about your characters, other people, and yourself. We create stories and find ways to bring our own stories to the table. Through these stories, we understand ourselves on a deeper level and recognize the ways in which other people use their own social and emotional competencies as they navigate life. What makes the best artists is when they\u2019re able to recognize and understand their own social and emotional ability, because it makes them stronger and more powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>For students in the Chicago area, Mudlark has announced the audition dates of the fall season: Aug. 19, 20, and 21. Check the <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mudlarktheater.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em><strong>website<\/strong><\/em><\/a>  <em>for information.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfKZi142_hldSYCEj6BSPx3knkI6lTn4k9BakGpEc1rz4hH1Uv0p01hoDfKMZTtKHm0r7W6bVaq41kei_HATujnqLnPJT_nLBZZ6U-J_IbP5qpO9GVL3kpMIrwfn103lN32leCozGOeXCx6PZWFe6tt-jsw?key=Eekc1M3HcxG1onQVbm8UlA\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>The views in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of CASEL.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Rebecca Rose Schilsky <\/strong>(she\/her\/hers) is a child at heart. She loves to get curious and explore, to question and question further, and to seek joy in everything she does. These descriptions could also paint you a picture of who she is as an artist! Originally from New York, Rebecca is a Chicago-based director, production manager, and educator, directing for Mudlark Theater, Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble, Second City, Whiskey Radio Hour, and First Kiss Theatre and production managing for Jackalope Theatre, The New Coordinates, and The Moulin Rouge! Tour. She is also Mudlark\u2019s artistic producer. Her theatrical mission includes creating brave spaces by generating productions that entertain and educate audiences of ages 0-101! She attended Skidmore College and has studied at Second City in Chicago. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.rebeccabackstage.com\/\">\u00a0www.rebeccabackstage.co<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.rebeccabackstage.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">m<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Posts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/why-museums-are-the-new-frontier-for-sel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Why Museums Are \u201cThe New Frontier\u201d for SEL<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/from-a-torn-acl-to-coaching-with-sel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>From a Torn ACL to Coaching With SEL<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/sel-skill-building-at-summer-camp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>SEL Skill-Building at Summer Camp<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"write-for-us\"><strong>Write for Us<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you interested in writing for CASEL\u2019s blog, <em>Constellations<\/em>? <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1zSZFveKA8xsmlCADpfDP8t-y9emN0qswHQh1MnfmqBI\/edit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Learn more<\/strong><\/a> about what we\u2019re looking for and how to pitch your idea!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Points Back to top Anyone who\u2019s done student theater knows the worst part: that fateful moment when the cast list goes up, and you have to walk up\u2014in public \u2014to see if you got your dream role. Or any role. There, in front of everyone, for all to see, and for all to see [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":81052,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","theme":[199],"class_list":["post-79614","blogposts","type-blogposts","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","theme-spotlights"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogposts\/79614","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogposts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blogposts"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=79614"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/81052"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=79614"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"theme","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/theme?post=79614"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}