The use of creative dramatics with institutionalized juvenile delinquents

This thesis proposes the use of creative dramatics as an approach to working with juvenile delinquents in the educational, diagnostic, and therapeutic programs within institutions. The values which can be derived from participation in creative dramatics are applied to meeting the needs of the delinquent child through playwriting, acting, storytelling, and technical work. Examples of drama programs which have been conducted in training schools are provided. Emphasis is placed on - resources available for the beginning creative dramatics leader in an institution and on planning for special problems within that environment. Practical information is supplied for approaching acting, directing, costumes and makeup, set design and properties, and lighting design. The paper concludes that if creative dramatics is applied to various institutional programs, the juvenile delinquent might have increased motivation for improving his academic skills, and he might experience increased self-confidence and pride in the accomplishment of artistic creation.