Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith. 
In this episode of State of Field, host Robert Smith sits down with playwright and MFA candidate Adam Weisman to explore his eco-theater fable Waldsterben, his adaptation of Chess Story, and his TYA musical A Blue-Eyed Daisy. Together, they discuss Adam’s journey through the ADTY MFA program at EMU and how his Jewish identity, environmental activism, and love of memory and myth inform his creative process. Featuring select audio from Waldsterben, this episode is a moving portrait of a storyteller using theatre to confront grief, honor the earth, and imagine new futures.

Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.
In this compelling episode of State of Field, host Robert Smith engages in a powerful dialogue with scholar, storyteller, and activist Alex Martinez Muñoz, whose work merges applied theatre, feminist theory, and human rights advocacy. Alex shares how her research and performance projects give voice to the families of femicide victims in Mexico, humanizing statistics through personal narratives and documentary theatre. Listeners are invited to reflect on the ethical implications of transforming real-life trauma into art, the emotional power of feminist storytelling, and the radical potential of applied theatre as a tool for cultural reimagination and justice. Alex also explores the transformative role of feminist music, the challenges of confronting cultural resistance, and the visionary next steps in her activist artistry. This episode is a call to compassion and courageous creativity—a reminder that art has the power to shift narratives, dismantle apathy, and awaken collective action.

Bienvenidos al podcast "Estado del Campo", donde profundizamos en los últimos avances en Drama Aplicado y Teatro para Jóvenes, Teatro para Públicos Jóvenes y Teatro en Comunidades de Investigación Educativa. Presentamos a Esther Ortiz como invitada especial.
Título: El arte en el activismo: Alex Martinez Muñoz sobre narración, feminismo y cambio social
Anfitriona: Esther Ortiz
Invitada: Alex Martinez Muñoz En este episodio especial en español de State of Field, la anfitriona Esther Ortiz conversa con la académica, narradora y activista Alex Martinez Muñoz, cuyo trabajo fusiona el teatro aplicado, la teoría feminista y la defensa de los derechos humanos. Alex comparte cómo su investigación y proyectos performativos dan voz a las familias de víctimas de feminicidio en México, utilizando el teatro documental y las narrativas personales para humanizar estadísticas y despertar la compasión. El episodio invita a la reflexión sobre los aspectos éticos de adaptar el trauma real al arte, el poder emocional de la narración feminista y el potencial transformador del Teatro Aplicado como herramienta de justicia y reimaginación cultural. Alex también profundiza en el papel sanador de la música feminista, los desafíos frente a la resistencia cultural, y los próximos pasos visionarios de su arte activista. Este episodio es un llamado a la compasión y a la creatividad valiente—un recordatorio de que el arte tiene el poder de cambiar narrativas, desmantelar la apatía y despertar la acción colectiva.

Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.

In this episode of State of Field, host Robert Smith interviews award-winning playwright, educator, and performer Shavonne T. Coleman about her transformative work in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) and her upcoming play, Cause Play, premiering at Eastern Michigan University as part of the BIPOC SuperHero Project. They explore the power of culturally relevant storytelling, the challenges of navigating predominantly white theater spaces, and the urgency of reclaiming Access, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice & Belonging (ADEIJB) in arts education. From her contributions to the BIPOC SuperHero Project Anthology to her work as a teaching artist and advocate for BIPOC youth, Shavonne shares insights on how theatre can be a tool for empowerment, representation, and transformative learning.

Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.

In this episode of State of Field, host Robert Smith interviews award-winning playwright, educator, and performer Shavonne T. Coleman about her transformative work in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) and her upcoming play, Cause Play, premiering at Eastern Michigan University as part of the BIPOC SuperHero Project. They explore the power of culturally relevant storytelling, the challenges of navigating predominantly white theater spaces, and the urgency of reclaiming Access, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice & Belonging (ADEIJB) in arts education. From her contributions to the BIPOC SuperHero Project Anthology to her work as a teaching artist and advocate for BIPOC youth, Shavonne shares insights on how theatre can be a tool for empowerment, representation, and transformative learning.

Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.

State of the Field Podcast presents Part Two of a Two-Part Exclusive Interview with José Casas Join host Robert Smith in a groundbreaking conversation with award-winning playwright and University of Michigan professor José Casas. In this episode, we explore José’s BIPOC Super Hero Project, a visionary initiative that’s redefining representation in Theater for Young Audiences (TYA). Discover the "origin story" behind this project and why superheroes are the perfect lens for empowering BIPOC youth and their communities. Dive into the importance of authentic representation, how this project challenges white/Eurocentric theater models, and how it inspires future generations to take control of their narratives. If you're passionate about inclusive storytelling and innovation in TYA, this is one episode you won’t want to miss! Tune in now and get ready to be inspired by José Casas’ bold vision for the future of youth theater.

Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA Candidate Robert Smith.

State of the Field Podcast presents Part One of a Two-Part Exclusive Interview with José Casas Join host Robert Smith in a groundbreaking conversation with award-winning playwright and University of Michigan professor José Casas. In this episode, we explore José’s BIPOC Super Hero Project, a visionary initiative that’s redefining representation in Theater for Young Audiences (TYA). Discover the "origin story" behind this project and why superheroes are the perfect lens for empowering BIPOC youth and their communities. Dive into the importance of authentic representation, how this project challenges white/Eurocentric theater models, and how it inspires future generations to take control of their narratives. If you're passionate about inclusive storytelling and innovation in TYA, this is one episode you won’t want to miss! Tune in now and get ready to be inspired by José Casas’ bold vision for the future of youth theater.

Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA candidate Robert Smith.
In this episode of the "State of Field" podcast, Dan Johnson discusses his personal journey and commitment to Access, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Michigan's theater scene, focusing on the challenges faced by marginalized communities in traditionally white/Eurocentric spaces. He shares insights from his work as an advocate for ADEI at the University of Michigan and explores strategies for creating more inclusive environments, including the use of tools like inclusivity audits and meaningful casting choices. Drawing from key ADEI resource publications, Dan reflects on how educators and theater professionals can promote self-determination, antiracism, and decolonial practices in youth theater education, ensuring underrepresented voices are heard. Throughout, Dan emphasizes the need for ongoing, tangible action to foster genuinely inclusive, equitable spaces in theater, while also offering hope for a more diverse and empowered future in both youth and professional theater.

Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA candidate Robert Smith.
In this podcast episode, Olivia Allen, a third-year graduate student in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, discusses the importance of rural youth theater and the unique opportunities it provides for young people in rural communities. Olivia shares her journey into rural theater education and addresses common misconceptions and biases surrounding rural youth theater, such as the belief that these communities lack artistic interest or talent. She emphasizes the need to create inclusive, supportive spaces for marginalized youth, highlighting how rural theater can provide a safe haven for those who may feel isolated. Olivia also touches on the logistical challenges of rural theater, such as limited rehearsal space and competing commitments, while offering insights into how theater educators can help young performers take risks and overcome fears. Finally, Olivia discusses the significance of presenting challenging themes in rural settings and how nuanced approaches can bridge cultural differences, fostering deeper connections between rural communities and the arts.

Welcome to the "State of Field" Podcast, where we delve into the latest developments in Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, Theater for Young Audiences and Theater in Education Research Communities. Hosted by ADTY MFA candidate Robert Smith.
In this follow-up podcast interview I will be asking Lauren about her experience as a presenter at the 2024 American Alliance of Theater Educators (AATE) conference in Chicago. We will be exploring the purpose of presenting seminars and workshops not only as a recent EMU ADTY MFA graduate but also as a seasoned Theater and Drama educator, director and Theater in Education colleague. Lauren reveals her secrets of successful middle school classroom management as well as building community through sharing her love of Theater & Drama Education and how working with youth has inspired her ongoing love for seeing her students grow and excel in their theater making skills. Lauren is definitely someone to look up in theater education and I am so excited for this opportunity to sit down with her and listen, learn and get excited about working with teens in Drama and Theater Education.