TIP in Cyprus: European Theatre Lab – Empowering Educators and Theatre Professionals with Sophia Vgenopoulou

Date and Location:

• Dates: March 14-15, 2023
• Location: Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC)

Organizer:
Theatre in Palm platform in collaboration with the Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC) and Assitej Cyprus

Description:
This two-day workshop was part of the European Theatre Lab initiative and was designed for educators, facilitators, and theatre professionals. The workshop, led by Sophia Vgenopoulou, a director and child psychiatrist, focused on contemporary theatrical practices that empower participants and promote collaborative group learning. Drawing on the principles of Theatre in Education and Applied Theatre, the workshop introduced participants to devised theatre and ensemble techniques, with the goal of fostering aesthetic education, experiential learning, and social engagement. This workshop was part of the Theatre in Palm program and aimed to equip educators and theatre professionals with practical methodologies to apply in their work with young people.

Agenda:
Day 1 – March 14, 2023

• Focus: Introduction to contemporary theatre practices, ensemble building, and participatory learning
• Practical exercises in Theatre in Education and Applied Theatre techniques

Day 2 – March 15, 2023

• Focus: Practical application of the methodologies learned, advancing aesthetic and experiential education
• Group discussions on the integration of social activation through theatre

Target Audience:

• Educators
• Theatre facilitators
• Theatre professionals

About Sophia Vgenopoulou:
Sophia Vgenopoulou is a director and child psychiatrist, at the time of the workshop serving as Head of Mikro Ethniko (Youth Theatre) and overseeing social theatre programs at the National Theatre of Greece. She is a graduate of the Medical School of Patras, with advanced studies in Acting, Drama Therapy, Child Psychiatry, and Theatre Directing. She combines her expertise in psychiatry and theatre to create transformative, dynamic, and socially engaged theatre for young people. Her work focuses on developing high-quality, contemporary theatre for young audiences and making them co-creators in the artistic process.