Immersive and Participatory Theatre tools for Young People

One of the biggest problems currently in the world is the unemployment of young people, so there is a need to put our focus on this issue. Not just because it is a problem right now but because it could have immense consequences for the future. We have a whole generation of people who are in their prime but because of economic circumstances can’t thrive. This fact is against, social cohesion of local societies.

Young people who are unemployed face problems with their mental health due to lack of confidence for not being able to provide for themselves and being dependent on their parents/state. They suffer stress when trying to find a job in the labor market that not only lacks employment opportunities but is ever changing the demand and supply making it much more confusing and unsafe place than it was for their parents.

These mental issues and the lack of resources force the young person to seclude and not to take part in social, cultural, sport and other activities that they would usually take part in. They often fall into depressive states or turn to drugs or other destructive behaviors which can then further debilitate them from finding employment, starting their own families and actively contributing to their local communities.

Because of all that is said above we see this as one of the biggest issues right now that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. We believe that the only way to empower young people is through giving them the tools to deal with everyday stresses of the modern world, a way to work on their confidence, to regain a balanced emotional and mental state, to better their social skills and to have an overall positive outlook on life so that they can create new opportunities and not just be a passive bystanders but to take responsibility for their own lives. We aim to provide them with tools that will assist them in ‘finding their own voice’, being able to express their ideas with confidence and clarity.

This long term Erasmus+ project by name Immersive and Participatory Theatre tools for Youth Workers offers a possibility to young people to learn mindfulness techniques which have been scientifically proven to help with regulating stress levels, balancing the health of the whole body and mental health, promoting healthy emotional states, supporting the natural neuroplasticity of the brain which is important when learning a new skill or changing a hindering personal belief - we support the approach of processes in learning without self- judgement, focusing on the positive aspects of performance and strengthening the weak areas via positive feedback. Mindfulness also helps with building confidence, self-love and self-care and learning better social skills. With all of the changes that mindfulness can bring to a person they will have more opportunities for personal development, for navigating the labor market and also for promoting their entrepreneurial spirit. With these changes young people not only make their lives better but can contribute to their local communities more as healthy, emotionally stable and accomplished individuals and also be healthy role models for other young people.

Planned activities:
Demonstration of health problems experienced by someone addicted to technology ( eye redness, posture disorder, obesity, muscle and joint problems)
Demonstration of mental problems ( adaptation problems, aggression, introvert character development, the inability to distinguish from reality and imagination, family problems)

Mindfulness & Voice - ‘Voice is the Body’ approach. Tools and methodology through practical experiencial sessions of recognizing, liberating and strengthening one’s voice, both in terms of vocality and personal expressions. Eliminating issues of hindering thoughts, ideas of self undervalue, hesitance or failure.

Focus on stress reduction, resilience, anti-discrimination, conflict management

The only way the famous quote of Socrates, ‘’Know Yourself’’ becomes defined can be with humanity being masters of their life, not slaves of it. To make this happen, popular culture and roles which are stuck to us must be removed. Social media addiction is something that casts humans out from their personalities and removes the capability of decision-making, just like Alice loses his way in her Wonderland that leads to identity depressions and eventually become a clew of problems.

We are looking to cooperate with 6 partners coming from Erasmus+ programme countries. We are interested to recruit partners, which are having a strong interest to support this project throughout its duration (planning stage to implementation and dissemination if results stage). Partners which will be willing to contribute by any of means at this project, are most welcome! If interested in our project, you are kindly requested to get contact with us.

Additionally, we are interested to cooperate with any experienced trainer into Mindfulness & Participatory Theatre, who will be having an active leading role during the project's planning and implementation stages.