Michael Rohd is a theatre artist and educator. He is also founder and director of Hope Is Vital, the theatre and
community dialogue/outreach organization on which this book is based, and has conducted residencies, trainings,
and workshops using these techniques throughout the country. Rohd is currently based in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Summary
The first step forward in working with today's youth is to create a dialogue, and that is exactly what this
exciting new book does. It helps you provide opportunities for young people to open up and explore their feelings
through theatre, offering a safe place for them to air their views with dignity, respect, and freedom.
The purpose of this manual is to provide a clear look at the process and specifics involved in the Hope Is Vital
interactive theatre techniques. The organization is sequential, providing a blueprint for creating a workable plan.
Beginning with warm-up exercises and bridging activities, the process moves forward to improvisational scenework,
where students actually replace characters in the stories. It is at this point that young people engage in their
own mini-theatre and look at choices, strategies, and communication.
Teachers will want to read this book. Counselors will want to read this book. Community leaders will want to read
this book. It is useful in any group setting or as a tool for outreach.
Table of Contents
Warm-ups
Energy and Focus Work
Circle Dash
Cover the Space
Tilt
Defender
Blind Handshakes
Minefield
Zip Zap Zop
Donkey
Machine
Trust Work
Trust Circle
Trust Falls
Blind (No Contact)
Find Your Mother Like a Little Penguin
Glass Cobra
Circle Height
Falling
Storytelling
Tour of a Place
Bridge Work
Environment
Values Clarification
Two Revelations
Complete the Image
Sculpting
Machine
Monologue Work
