Acting with care: How actor practice is shaped by creating theatre with and for children

Jennifer Andersen, PhD

Actors create theatre with and for children in diverse contexts. This research investigates what characterises the practice of these actors and how it is shaped by working with children. Drawing on surveys, interviews and performance observations involving nine actors, key qualities of actor practice are identified: listening, reciprocating, imagining and empathising. This research has identified that actor practice, guided by a sense of care and respect for children, is shaped to be outward facing and pedagogically sensitive.

Supervisors

  • Associate Professor Neryl Jeanneret
  • Dr Robert Brown