The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has announced the launch of the “Artist Leader” program in collaboration with “Project You”. This initiative aims to encourage emerging theatrical talents, engage school students, and motivate them to enhance their skills while exploring interactive theater techniques. Through a series of inspiring cultural and artistic experiences, the program seeks to refine students’ personalities, develop their performance abilities, and cultivate their leadership spirit. This aligns with the authority’s commitment to investing in young talents and supporting the cultural and creative industries, contributing to Dubai’s vision of becoming a global cultural hub, a nurturing ground for creativity, and a meeting place for talents.
Running from April 24 to May 31 at the Al Jalila Cultural Center for Children, the program will host a variety of workshops and training sessions aimed at introducing students to the concept of interactive theater and its essential elements, such as space, audience, and the show leader. Participants will also learn about storytelling, character development, costumes, and props, alongside understanding its significance in addressing and discussing issues directly with audiences. The program will feature a team of experts who will guide participants every Thursday and Saturday in developing techniques for breathing, voice projection, character building, scene creation, improvisation, self-expression, time management, communication, and problem-solving, through specialized theater and leadership exercises designed to bolster students’ confidence and enable them to engage with audiences on stage.
The agenda will also include brainstorming sessions aimed at teaching youth how to plan interactive scenes that address topics relevant to teenagers, presenting them in innovative ways and engaging in lively discussions with the audience.
In this regard, Maitha Ali Shahdad, acting director of the Al Jalila Cultural Center for Children, emphasized the authority’s commitment to encouraging students to explore the significance of interactive theater in enriching their personalities and expanding their linguistic and cognitive knowledge.
She stated, “Interactive theater is a relatively modern form of art that relies on moving away from traditional frameworks and engaging directly with the audience, making it an essential tool for influencing and driving change in society. It has the potential to instill positive values in students and raise their awareness about various social issues.” She also highlighted that the “Artist Leader” program provides a creative platform that broadens children’s intellectual horizons, encouraging them to tap into their energies and unleash their ideas and creativity in performing arts.