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Thesis
Designing for inclusion: accessibility strategies in theatre education and production
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Mar 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011298
Abstract
This thesis examines how accessibility is understood, implemented, and taught within academic theatre programs. While conversations about accessibility in the performing arts have increasingly focused on audience access, less attention has been given to how accessibility is addressed within theatre education, particularly in rehearsal, classroom, and production environments. The research explores how theatre educators integrate accessibility into their teaching practices and program structures, and how these practices shape students' understanding of accessibility as emerging theatre-makers. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with theatre educators from a range of academic institutions. Interview transcripts were analyzed through thematic coding to identify recurring patterns and perspectives related to accessibility practices. The findings reveal that many educators are incorporating inclusive pedagogical strategies and framing accessibility as an integral component of theatre training rather than solely as a system of accommodations. However, participants also identified ongoing challenges related to institutional support, resource allocation, and the structural constraints of rehearsal and production processes. This thesis highlights the role of academic theatre programs as influential sites for shaping accessibility practices within the broader theatre field. By embedding accessibility into classroom instruction, production practices, and institutional planning, theatre education has the potential to cultivate more inclusive artistic environments and prepare future theatre-makers to engage with accessibility as a core professional value.
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Details
- Title
- Designing for inclusion
- Creators
- Cecelia A. Hill
- Contributors
- Pamela Yau (Advisor)Jasmine E. Austin (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- vii, 44 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Arts Administration; Arts and Entertainment Enterprise; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991022170460404721