When we think of theatre, we often imagine grand stages, bright lights, and scripted performances. But what if theatre wasn’t confined to a stage? What if it was a tool for community engagement, empowerment, and storytelling?
At the University of Bristol, students in the Applied Theatre unit are doing just that—bringing theatre into real-world community settings and using it as a means to connect, educate, and inspire. In collaboration with local community organisations, these students are creating performances and workshops designed to engage, empower, and uplift. Their work is not about passive spectatorship, it’s about interaction, participation, and using theatre as a medium for change. Through applied theatre, these students are making a difference where it truly matters.
This initiative is part of community engaged learning (CEL)—an approach that connects university students with real-world projects, allowing them to apply their skills in ways that benefit both their education and the wider community. In this case, students weren’t just studying theatre; they were using it to inspire, empower, and build connections with the people around them.
