The fifth Virtual Forum Lab within the MYndTheater project was successfully organised, focusing on one of the core principles of the Forum Theatre methodology – the active role of the audience. The session explored strategies for transforming spectators into “Spect-Actors”, empowering them to actively engage in the performance and contribute to finding solutions to the challenges presented on stage.
During the workshop, participants discussed the importance of audience participation as a key element that distinguishes Forum Theatre from traditional theatrical performances. Together, they developed strategies for encouraging interaction, ensuring that audience members feel confident to intervene, replace characters, and propose alternative actions that could lead to more positive outcomes in the presented situations.
Virtual Forum Lab
A significant part of the Virtual Forum Lab was dedicated to designing an interaction plan that guides the participation of the audience throughout the performance. Participants explored different facilitation techniques that support meaningful dialogue, promote empathy, and create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels encouraged to share their perspectives and test possible solutions to the conflicts presented.
The session also highlighted the crucial role of the Joker—the Forum Theatre facilitator—in guiding discussions, maintaining audience engagement, and ensuring that interventions remain constructive and focused on exploring practical alternatives rather than providing predetermined answers.
By the end of the fifth Virtual Forum Lab, participants had developed a comprehensive understanding of how to create interactive Forum Theatre experiences that place the audience at the centre of the learning process. The strategies and interaction plans created during this session will play a vital role in the implementation of the final MYndTheater performances, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and collective problem-solving among young people.
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