The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on education, including theatre classes. As we return to in-person learning and a new normal, many theatre teachers are facing a new challenge: student apathy. The prolonged isolation, disrupted routines, and virtual learning experiences have dampened students' enthusiasm for the performing arts.
Apathy is defined as a state of indifference and the inability to act, often accompanied by a lack of emotions. Symptoms of apathy include loss of interest, pessimistic thoughts, reduced goal-setting, inaction, hopelessness, and disengagement from social interactions. It can be related to depression and other mental health issues, but apathy stands out by its lack of guilt or shame and disregard for goals (Darcy, 2023).
In recent times, there has been a noticeable decline in our capacity to relate and empathize with others across various aspects of life, including work, friendships, and connections. The COVID-19 pandemic further strained our relational abilities, forcing rapid adaptations while depleting our social, personal, and financial resources, leading many to withdraw from meaningful interactions due to exhaustion. Tania Glyde, a counselor and psychotherapist, posits that this reduced relating capacity is a trauma response stemming from experiences of abandonment, loss, and disconnection during the pandemic. To heal and reconnect, Glyde emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing this trauma response, while also advocating for the cultivation of stronger, abuse-resistant communities as a potential path toward collective recovery. (Glyde, 2023).
Here are a few strategies to address student apathy and reignite the passion for theatre in our classrooms post COVID-19.
- Acknowledge the Impact of the Pandemic:
- Recognize that the pandemic has had a significant impact on students' emotional well-being, motivation, and engagement.
- Create a supportive and empathetic environment where students feel safe to share their experiences and concerns.
- Foster a Sense of Belonging:
- Cultivate a positive and inclusive classroom community where students feel valued, respected, and connected to their peers.
- Encourage collaboration, teamwork, and peer support, fostering a sense of belonging that reignites students' excitement for theatre.
- Rediscover the Joy of Theatre:
- Reintroduce the joy and excitement of theatre by selecting engaging scripts, incorporating interactive activities, and emphasizing the fun aspects of performance.
- Incorporate games, improvisation exercises, and creative challenges that reignite students' curiosity and passion for the art form.
- Engage with Relevant and Contemporary Content:
- Select scripts and projects that resonate with students' experiences, interests, and cultural backgrounds.
- Explore contemporary issues, social justice themes, or current events to spark discussions and encourage students to connect their personal lives to the theatre.
- Offer Choice and Autonomy:
- Provide students with opportunities to make creative choices and have ownership over their learning.
- Allow them to select monologues, scenes, or design elements, empowering them to express their individuality and reignite their enthusiasm for the art form.
- Connect Theatre with Real-World Applications:
- Highlight the practical applications of theatre skills and how they translate to various careers and life skills.
- Invite guest speakers or organize field trips to demonstrate how theatre can be a powerful tool for communication, empathy, and personal development.
- Embrace Technology and Multimedia:
- Incorporate digital tools, video editing, and multimedia elements to enhance student engagement and creativity.
- Encourage students to explore digital storytelling, virtual performances, or social media platforms to connect with audiences beyond the classroom.
- Celebrate Student Voice and Agency:
- Create opportunities for students to express their opinions, share their ideas, and contribute to the decision-making process in theatre productions or class projects.
- Recognize and celebrate their achievements, fostering a sense of pride, accomplishment, and renewed motivation.
- Collaborate with Community Partners:
- Engage with local theatre companies, professional artists, or community organizations to provide mentorship, guest workshops, or performance opportunities.
- Connect students with professionals who can share their experiences and inspire them to pursue their passion for theatre.
- Continuous Reflection and Adaptation:
- Regularly assess and reflect on the effectiveness of your teaching strategies and adjust accordingly.
- Seek feedback from students, colleagues, and parents to gain insights into their experiences and perceptions, ensuring your approach remains responsive to their needs.
11. Understand our Students' Mental Health is at an All Time Low... (And So is Our Own)
- We can learn to identify our feelings, prioritize self-care, practice mindfulness, and taking action despite lacking motivation.
- Seek professional counseling form a licensed clinician
While student apathy in theatre classes post COVID-19 is a challenge, it is not insurmountable. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, rediscovering the joy of theatre, engaging with relevant content, offering choice and autonomy, connecting theatre with real-world applications, embracing technology, celebrating student voice, collaborating with community partners, and continuously reflecting on our practices, we can reignite the passion for theatre in our students. Let us rise to this challenge, harness the transformative power of the performing arts, and inspire the next generation of artists, storytellers, and advocates for the stage. Together, we can reignite the spark and bring the magic of theatre back into the hearts and lives of our students.
References
Darcy, A. (2023) Apathy – Why it matters if you stop caring about anything. Harley Therapy- Mental Health Blog. Retrieved from https://londoncentralcounselling.com/2023/02/22/negligent-apathy-the-pandemic-gift-that-keeps-on-giving/
Glyde, T. (2023) Negligent apathy- The pandemic gift that keeps on giving. London Central Counseling. Retrieved from https://londoncentralcounselling.com/2023/02/22/negligent-apathy-the-pandemic-gift-that-keeps-on-giving/
Copyright, 2023, James Chrismon, All Rights Reserved
