AS I AM: Educational Theatre Program

AS I AM: Educational Theatre Program

The Synergy of Music Theatre – under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture- proudly initiates its original Educational Theatre Program ”AS I AM” and invites students aged 13-18 to join a unique experiential and artistic experience of self-awareness and empathy.

Let’s imagine school as a place where every child can feel comfortable with who they are and freely develop their personality.

We start on Monday 13 October!

 

The “As I Am” program is an experiential workshop that uses the performing and visual arts (theatre, movement, photography) to address issues related to:

  • Body image
  • Social stereotypes about appearance
  • Discrimination and body shaming
  • The influence of social media
  • The need to accept diversity and ourselves
  • A critical stance towards phenomena of non-acceptance and exclusion

 

Through experiential workshops, teens are encouraged to work creatively and collaboratively and reflect on social stereotypes and beliefs about the body and their physical appearance in a safe and accepting environment.

– How do we talk to teenagers about body image without lecturing them?
– What does it mean to see yourself as you are and accept yourself?
– How do young people feel about their bodies and their appearance at an age when their bodies are constantly changing?
– How much do social media influence beauty standards?
– Can the performing arts create an environment of acceptance, reflection, and introspection?

 

Goals & Benefits

  • Developing a positive relationship with our body image
  • Cultivating empathy and acceptance of diversity
  • Critical attitude towards media standards
  • Resistance to body-shaming and discrimination
  • Creation of a participatory artistic result

 

RESULTS

  • The experiences at the workshop will be presented to the public through artistic works taking place in a single event with the aim of addressing the concerns of teenagers and strengthening the social dialogue on the issue
  • The creation of educational material that will be distributed free of charge to teenagers’ educators and will include simple educational tools that facilitate discussion and reflection within a group

 

TARGET GROUP

The program is addressed to high school students, with or without disabilities, from different cultural backgrounds, from the city of Larissa and neighbouring areas.

Number of students per session: 30 to 40 students per group

Teachers who work with teenagers and wish to address the phenomenon of body-shaming inside and outside the classroom are welcome to participate in the program.

 

TIMELINE

• Starting date of reservations for schools: Monday, 15 September 2025

• Program duration: 13 October – 19 December 2025

• Workshop duration: 2 hours

• Time: 9:00-11:00 a.m. (time can be adjusted upon request)

• Days: Weekdays (Monday to Friday)

 

How can I participate? 

Ask your school teacher to contact SYNERGEIO, culture space at 2411 812 431 and make a booking for your class!

Participation fee: €4/person

 

WORKING GROUP

Project coordination: Despoina Bounitsi

Program design: Despoina Bounitsi – Theatre scholar, Choreographer, Dance teacher

Katerina Bekou: Theatre educator – Actor

Giannis Chatziantoniou: Photographer, Photography instructor

Filippos Zoukas: Musician, Composer

Scientific supervision: Lydia Pantziou Psychologist

Research support: Dimitra Zacharouli, Theatre scholar, Researcher, PhD candidate

Communication management: Chrysanthi Manidou, Communication specialist

Technical support: Filippos Zoukas

Sound support: Periklis Chastalis, Lighting

 

Venue: SYNERGEIO culture space, Oik. Ex. Oikonomon 22, Larissa www.synergeio.eu

Implementing body: SYNERGY OF MYSIC THEATRE (SMOUTH)

 

*The programme is implemented under the auspices and with the financial support of the Greek Ministry of Culture