BUILDING on 2 qualitative studies, one that explored the experiences of 8 marginalized individuals facing life challenges such as addiction, mental illness, poverty, homelessness and unemployment and another that explored body-image with post-secondary and elementary-aged children, this research-based and hands-on presentation introduces at-risk adults to dramatic role play, community practices, and embodiment, and also young children to difficult topics such as homelessness and body image. Using similar drama and movement strategies, this blended presentation demonstrates how groups of people (e.g., marginalized adults, post-secondary students, and elementary-aged children) alike can use dramatic, embodied, and artistic expressions to voice their ideas, and rebuild their identities.
Dr. Kari-Lynn Winters is an Associate Professor at Brock University, where she teaches drama-in-education and language arts to teacher candidates. Kari-Lynn holds a PhD from UBC in literacy education, a teaching degree from University of Toronto, and a certificate in Technical Theatre from the National Theatre School of Canada. Her research interests include: body image, embodied pedagogies, children’s literature, drama, and multimodal literacies. Kari-Lynn is also an award winning children’s author, scholar, playwright, and performer.
