IRIDI ADVANCED CAOS – CAMPUS ON STAGE
The CAOS – Campus on Stage module aims to develop theoretical and practical skills in the use of theatrical techniques in university teaching, with a view to designing innovative activities that promote participation, engagement, accessibility and critical learning.
The course is divided into two phases.
The first, which is theoretical in nature, explores the theoretical foundations of theatre applied to teaching, drawing on contributions from the history of theatre, sociology, psychology, pedagogy and neuroscience. Through lectures, case studies and practical exercises, participants acquire the tools to design theatrical activities consistent with learning objectives and to manage the class effectively.
The second phase is workshop-based and involves guided experimentation with various techniques, including forum theatre, simulations, role-play, improvisation, theatrical reworkings, activities based on non-verbal language and the use of theatre in qualitative research.
Originating in the social sciences, the CAOS project highlights the contribution of theatre to understanding themes such as storytelling, complexity, conflict and pluralism. The module also aims to explore the adaptability of these practices to different disciplines and educational contexts. The activities will be led by experts and peer tutors who will share experiences, practical examples and support for planning and experimentation in the classroom.
By the end of the module, participants will be able to:
- Understand the theoretical foundations of theatre as applied to university teaching, drawing on contributions from the history of theatre, sociology, psychology, pedagogy and neuroscience.
- Be familiar with and critically evaluate various theatre-based teaching techniques and their potential applications in university settings.
- Design activities and teaching units based on theatre practices, in line with learning objectives.
- Foster active participation, engagement, accessibility and critical re-examination of subject content through theatre-based methodologies.
- To manage theatre-based activities in the classroom, taking into account class dynamics and the feasibility of the activities in different teaching contexts.
- To experiment with theatre techniques applied to teaching and assess their effectiveness in relation to learning objectives.
- To adapt the tools and languages of theatre to different subject areas and educational contexts.
Programme
The module is divided into two stages: an initial training stage, scheduled for the first semester, and a second stage involving classroom-based design and experimentation, scheduled for the second semester.
The first phase consists of five sessions, each lasting four hours.
Session 1 – Theoretical foundations of theatre applied to teaching
Thursday 5 November, 4.00 pm–8.00 pm
(Lecturer in theatre techniques)
This session introduces the theoretical foundations of theatre as an innovative teaching technique, drawing on the history of theatre, sociology, psychology, pedagogy and neuroscience.
Session 2 – Theatre techniques and university teaching
Thursday 19 November, 4.00 pm–8.00 pm
(Lecturer in Theatre Techniques)
This session presents, through both theory and practical experience, a number of techniques that can be used in university teaching: debate, role-play, improvisation, physical expression, dramatisation, invisible theatre and other practices geared towards active participation.
Session 3 – Designing theatre-based teaching modules
Thursday 3 December, 4.00 pm–8.00 pm
(Lecturer in theatre techniques)
This session focuses on the design of theatre-based teaching modules, with an emphasis on theoretical and methodological frameworks, best practice, experiences from other Italian and international universities, and recommended reading.
Sessions 4 and 5 – Peer-led sessions and support for experimentation
The final two sessions will be led by peer tutors involved in the CAOS – Campus on Stage project (Mario Aldo Cedrini and Alice Scavarda). The peer tutors will contribute both to presenting the experiences carried out and to supporting participants in the design and experimentation of teaching activities.
Session 4 – The CAOS experience and other theatre-based teaching practices
(Peer tutors and lecturers from other universities – a theoretical and experiential session)
This session presents the CAOS – Campus on Stage project from the perspective of the lecturers who conceived and implemented it, focusing on initial expectations, implementation methods, the adjustments made and the lessons learnt. Similar initiatives developed at other Italian universities will also be presented, as described by their creators.
Session 5 – Workshop on designing theatre-based teaching units
(Peer tutors – workshop session)
This session is dedicated to the presentation and refinement of theatre-based teaching units developed from the CAOS – Campus on Stage experience. Participants will be guided in identifying possible applications within their own teaching, with a focus on learning objectives, classroom management, the accessibility of activities and the sustainability of the experimental approach.
In the second semester, there will be a programme involving the design and delivery of theatre-based teaching activities as part of the participants’ courses.
Each of the 20 participants will receive 4 hours of support, aimed at jointly designing the activity and supervising its implementation in the classroom.
The programme will conclude with a final debriefing session, dedicated to sharing the experiences gained, discussing the conditions for transferability and gathering useful input for the evaluation of the module.
Applications open from 24 July to 16 October 2026, via this form.
Places available: 20
Course structure: 5 training sessions of 4 hours each, followed by a process of planning, experimentation and a final presentation.
Criteria for selecting applicants
- representation across departments
- timing of the module (semester)
- whether the courses are part of a bachelor’s or master’s degree programme
- enquire about the number of students in the class
At the end of the course, an Open Badge will be awarded to each participant who has completed all the required activities.