07 Jan AS I AM: Project Completion & Outcomes
The Synergy of Music Theatre (SMouTh) successfully completed the original educational/theatre project AS I AM, a participatory and experiential programme designed for teenagers aged 13–18, focusing on self-awareness, empathy and body acceptance.
AS I AM was conceived as a creative laboratory that used performing and visual arts—theatre, movement, and photography—to open meaningful dialogue around issues that deeply affect young people today, such as:
- Body image and self-perception
- Social stereotypes related to appearance
- Discrimination and body-shaming
- The influence of social media
- Acceptance of diversity and of oneself
- Developing a critical stance toward exclusion and non-acceptance
Through a series of experiential workshops, participants were invited to work creatively and collaboratively, reflecting on social beliefs and stereotypes about the body and external appearance within a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
The programme explored key questions such as:
- How can we talk to adolescents about body image without lecturing them?
- What does it mean to truly see and accept oneself?
- How do young people feel about their bodies during a time of constant change?
- How strongly do social media shape contemporary beauty standards?
- Can the performing arts create spaces of acceptance, reflection, and critical thinking?
Programme Duration: Monday 13 October – Friday 19 December 2025
Workshop duration: 2 hours (Monday–Friday)
Venue: SYNERGEIO Cultural Space, Oik. Ex Oikonomon 22, 41223 Larissa
Implementing Organisation: Synergeio Musical Theatre (SMouTh)
The programme was addressed to students of lower and upper secondary education, with or without disabilities, from diverse cultural backgrounds, from the city of Larissa and neighbouring areas. Educators working with teens were also invited to participate, particularly those interested in addressing body-shaming within and beyond the classroom.
Project Outcomes
As a key result of the programme, a free educational material has been developed and is now available to educators working with teenagers. the The material includes simple, practical educational tools designed to support discussion, reflection, and group work on body image, stereotypes, and self-acceptance. Click on the icon below to read or download the digital file of the educational material.
In addition, the project team created a video review of the program, which captures—through snapshots of the workshops and interviews with the program’s research team—the process, methodology, pedagogy and artistic quality of the program.. Watch the full video by clicking the image below: 
Project Team
Project Coordination: Despoina Bounitsi
Research Team: Lydia Pantziou, Katerina Bekou, Despoina Bounitsi
Research Support: Dimitra Zacharouli
Workshop Facilitators: Katerina Bekou, Despoina Bounitsi
Photography & Technical Support: Giannis Chatzantonios
Videography: Dimitris Vallas
Graphic Design: Labrouli’s Creative
Communication: Chrysanthi Manidou
Project Management: Dimitra Zacharouli
The educational/theatre programme AS I AM was implemented under the auspices and with the co-funding of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture
