The Stage of Change

"The Stage of Change" Zwardoń, Poland, 15-24 June 2026 (arrival and departure included), Training Course within Erasmus+

INTRO

Contemporary societies are shaped by complex social dynamics, where inequality, exclusion, and power imbalances continue to affect individuals and communities. Young people often face situations of oppression—whether subtle or explicit—that they struggle to understand, express, or challenge. Traditional educational approaches frequently fail to provide safe, participatory spaces where these experiences can be explored and transformed.

At the same time, there is a growing need for methods that foster active participation, critical thinking, and embodied learning. Many young people and youth workers lack tools to address conflict, navigate power relations, and engage in meaningful dialogue. This can lead to passivity, lack of agency, and difficulties in responding to social injustice.

Participatory theatre methods, such as those developed by Augusto Boal within the Theatre of the Oppressed, offer an innovative response to these challenges. By transforming spectators into active participants (“spect-actors”), these approaches create a space to rehearse real-life change, test solutions, and collectively reflect on social realities.

In parallel, there is an increasing recognition of the importance of body awareness and physical expression in learning processes. Disconnection from the body, stress, and lack of movement negatively impact emotional regulation, confidence, and group cohesion. Integrating daily body movement sessions supports not only physical well-being but also emotional integration, creativity, and presence.

The Forum Theatre training course responds to these needs by equipping participants with practical, embodied, and creative tools to explore oppression, develop agency, and facilitate transformative group processes.

Goal of the Project:

To empower youth workers, educators, and participants with participatory theatre tools to explore social issues, challenge oppression, and facilitate dialogue, while strengthening body awareness, emotional integration, and group connection through daily movement practice.

Methods:

• Interactive theatre workshops
• Physical and body-based exercises
• Daily body movement sessions (grounding, awareness, expression)
• Group work and peer learning
• Improvisation and devised theatre techniques
• Image Theatre and Forum Theatre methods
• Reflective discussions and feedback sessions
• Role-play and simulation (Joker training)
• Creative exercises (voice, rhythm, character work)
• Mindfulness and body awareness practices

Target Group:

This training is designed for youth workers, educators, trainers, artists, and facilitators (18+) from programme countries who are interested in participatory methods, social engagement, and creative approaches to education. Join this training to explore how theatre, body, and dialogue can become powerful tools for personal growth, social awareness, and collective transformation.

DO YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN THIS LEARNING OPPORTUNITY?

THIS IS WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Members or close collaborators of active Youth Organization (staff or active member, paid or not). The organization should have a valid OID number (we will sign partnership agreements with the sending organization).
• Willingness and motivation to be involved in the partner organization for at least one more year after the project.
• Enthusiastic youth workers who are motivated towards taking a strong lead in designing and/or facilitating meaningful learning experiences for young people on the topic of our training.
• Good command of the English language;
• People older than 18 years and with a legal residence (proven by valid documents) in the country they are currently residing in.

IMPORTANT TO HAVE IN MIND BEFORE DECIDING TO APPLY:

• If you do not provide an OID number your application will be considered ineligible.
• Your organization should be based in the same country as you are currently residing in. If your situation is different you might not be eligible to participate in the course.
• Double-check the eligible countries from which we can accept participants. Do not apply if you do not currently reside in one of them.
• To support a positive group atmosphere and effective learning, we ask that participants refrain from consuming alcohol during the project.

Infopack available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_NvphOdXPte4Mr4fKVTj6lamq1-ylq49/view?usp=sharing