Service-Learning Essentials: Community-Engaged Theatre & Mental Health

About

Looking for innovative ways to bridge academic coursework, creative arts, and meaningful community impact? Join us for an engaging session designed to introduce you to the essentials of service-learning at Texas State through the lens of community-engaged theatre.

In this multi-part session, service-learning program staff will introduce foundational program concepts and designated course options. Following the introduction, our featured guest faculty member will share insights from their service-learning course focused on theatre in the community alongside a student performance called State of Mind: TXST. Learn how their course adapts the framework of State of Mind, an interactive theatre and public dialogue initiative originating in Montana that uses performance to address mental health stigma, highlight local resources, and spark vital community conversations.

Whether you are interested in the arts, public health, or community advocacy, this session offers a unique look at how performance can be a powerful tool for social change.

What to Expect:

Part 1: Service-Learning Core Essentials (15 min)

Learn foundational concepts, student benefits, and how to identify designated service-learning courses.

Part 2: Guest Faculty Spotlight and Student Performance (1 hour 15 min)

Hear directly from faculty on using community theatre models to tackle complex issues, followed by a live student performance demonstrating how performance art can foster public dialogue, address stigma, and activate community voices about mental and behavioral health at TXST.