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Faculty Profiles > David D. Coleman II
David D. Coleman II
| Title | Dean of Humanities |
Degree | PhD, Lesley University MFA, Boston University EdM, Boston University AB, Boston College |
Office | Wellesley Campus
Room 501 |
| Phone | (781) 239-2463 |
E-Mail | dcoleman1@massbay.edu |
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In Dr. Coleman’s professional experience, looking at the populations that he serves, primarily adolescent and adult, he has discovered that the use of theatre has been a very powerful tool in teaching diversity, empowering segments of the population with the informational tools needed to aid them in addressing their own social issues and concerns. As an educator with over thirty years of professional experience teaching at all levels, in both traditional and non-traditional environments, Dr. Coleman is always looking for innovative ways of enhancing the educational experience of his students. In the process of his own discovery and professional development his students are key beneficiaries.
As a theatre educator and arts administrator, he has over the last thirty years created a range of theatrical works that are designed specifically as a means of teaching cultural history through the joint artistic participation of both thespians and patrons. Participatory Theatre as a means of social empowerment is at the core of this body of work. Having performed these works in varying settings and communities and acquiring varying levels of success, Dr. Coleman has come to the determination that it is time to assess their true academic properties from instructional and cultural as well as professional perspectives. His curiosity of the principles of psychodrama and the connection of therapy, drama and educational empowerment is vital to his professional pursuits. Elements of psychodrama techniques can be adapted as useful tools in Encounter Theatre, but only those spontaneous elements that are transforming and enlightening, not those elements that stagnate creative vision and expression. The therapeutic elements used as a conduit for artistic purposes gain deeper awareness of character and thematic intent. This study develops the main characteristics of Encounter Theatre and how they are seen in various works.
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Languages:
| English
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Awards:
| 1998 The Extra Mile Award Roxbury Community College
1993 Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities Major Grant
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Publications:
| Encounter Theatre as a Means of Social Change and Empowerment (Dissertation) Lesley University 2004 |