Research project explores how drama pedagogy, visualization, and scenography can contribute to Education

The traditional four walls of the classroom are no longer the sole boundary for where and how education can take place. In the project Theaters as Teaching Environments, researcher and doctoral candidate Salti Theodora, supported by the University of Lapland, aims to challenge our perception of educational spaces and expand teachers' toolkits. Hosted by Visual Arena, educators and student teachers from various disciplines are given the opportunity to explore the unique properties of theaters as teaching environments where sound, light, visualization and stage objects become active co-creators in the learning experience.

The project stems from the idea that physical environments themselves can be educational resources—a concept often referred to as the "third educator." But this is about more than just furniture and colors; it’s about creating living environments that spark emotions, stimulate creativity, and deepen engagement for both teachers and students. "Theaters are spaces where multisensory experiences meet learning in ways that traditional classrooms can’t offer," Theodora explains.

Over the course of five sessions spanning two months, participants will explore how the theater’s environment can be harnessed to enhance and develop teaching practices interwoven with drama pedagogy. By experimenting with visuals, lighting, sound, props, and a variety of materials, participants will discover how these elements can influence interaction and learning in a teaching setting. Theatrical elements, visualization and drama pedagogical techniques such as role-playing, improvisation, teacher-in-role, process-drama, puppet shows/making, storytelling and scenography will be used to stimulate and deepen participants’ pedagogical understanding.

But the project is not just about creating new teaching tools—it also aims to build bridges between educational institutions and cultural spaces like theaters. "We want theaters to become natural collaborators for schools and universities, where both students and teachers can benefit from the rich resources that theater environments offer," says Theodora.

Visual Arena, with its advanced technology for multisensory and visual experiences, provides an ideal platform for this research project. By utilizing the Arena’s resources, participants can immerse themselves in various imagined worlds—such as oceans, forests, or gardens, little object’s worlds—exploring how these environments can enhance and influence their teaching.

These themes are closely connected to the relationship between humans and nature, aiming to encourage environmental discussions and deepen awareness. The visuals are created primarily by filming in diverse locations around Gothenburg, including Trädgårdsföreningen, Sjöfartsmuseet, Botaniska trädgården, and other local parks. These films are integrated into the Visual Arena stage, combining with lighting and sound to create an immersive environment for the drama pedagogical processes.

The goal of Theaters as Teaching Environments is to equip future educators with the tools and experiences to bring theater’s resources beyond the stage and into the classroom—or better yet, to take teaching outside of the classroom entirely, letting the environment become an active part of the teaching and learning process. By exploring the theater as a learning space, Theodora and her colleagues hope teachers will be able to offer their future pupils new and enriched learning experiences where both body and mind are fully engaged.

This research project is only the beginning. Salti Theodora hopes that the results will not only impact future educators but also inspire more collaborations between educational programs and theaters in the years to come.

Do you want to know more? 

thsalti@ulapland.fi, linkedin.com/in/theodora-salti-212148105,

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