“We wanted a place where not just teachers, but theatre artists, social workers and health workers could come together to address issues related to children, the arts, and play around the world,” says WFCT Artistic Director Ron Dodson.
The symposium brings 70 international presenters that include well-known names in drama education such as David Booth, Jonothan Neelands, Patrice Baldwin and Belarie Zatzman, and will feature an innovative blended format different from traditional conferences. In addition to workshops, panels, and a Resource Fair, the PLAY! Symposium will feature nine “playspaces” where participants can continue workshop discussions and activities, network, and listen in on interviews with authors such as Juliana Saxton, Carole Miller, and Kathy Gould Lundy.
The weekend event has been made possible with generous support from ETFO, OSSTF, and OTF; in fact, ETFO will be launching its new play-based learning initiative for grades 5-8 and 7-9, as well as showcasing presenters such as Larry Swartz, Debbie Nyman, and others for extended workshops on drama and literacy and art applications across the curriculum.
The symposium will also feature innovative “Panel Plus” presentations that cross formats, showcasing approaches from multiple practitioners in the same learning space. In this way, the symposium is fully embracing the concept of play—not only for children, but for grownups too.
The PLAY! Symposium is a wonderful learning opportunity for the broader educational community to connect, learn, and “play” with one another. It promises to be an event not to be missed! Learn more about presenters, schedule and registration information at www.playsymposium.com.