News
STUDY PROVES ENACT METHOD IS EFFECTIVE AT BUILDING EMOTIONAL AWARENESS AND MODIFYING BEHAVIOR IN NYC PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS
New York, NY October 6, 2011 – In a school environment focused intently on standardized test scores, students may feel that their personal feelings are not taken seriously. But what happens when these issues become obstacles to academic success? According to a new study, ENACT provides a unique and effective set of solutions to this difficult paradox. Using professional actors to engage students in underserved New York City public schools, the organization’s unique interactive approach to theater and drama therapy techniques enables participants to develop self-awareness and self-confidence, ultimately leading to positive behavior change and a greater focus and engagement in school.
Dr. Rob Horowitz, Associate Director of the Center for Arts Education Research and adjunct associate professor at Teachers College at Columbia University, recently completed the final report of an independent ENACT program evaluation, funded by a grant from the Ford Foundation. The study concludes that ENACT’s workshops are highly effective at improving student engagement in the classroom, supporting social-emotional learning, and creating a “safe container,” wherein students feel free to express themselves. The research shows that ENACT teaching artists effectively collaborate with teachers to create a safe, productive classroom climate that promotes student growth. Dr. Horowitz will present the paper for peer review at the American Evaluation Association’s annual conference in Anaheim, California on November 3, 2011. Diana Feldman, President/CEO and Founder of ENACT, will accompany him. Read The Full Press Release»
Read the Executive Summary of the final research report »
ENACT TO KICK OFF NEW YORK CITY CYBER BUYLLYING SUMMIT WITH ORIGINAL DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE
ENACT is proud to be kicking off the New York City Cyber Bullying Summit on July 18th, hosted by New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. ENACT will jumpstart the summit with a live original dramatic performance by students and professional actor-instructors, all from the ENACT programs. The summit is part of the effort to help parents and teachers combat bullying among kids in cyber space. The event will include key representatives from the Department of Education, the Department of Youth and Community Development, the New York City’s District Attorneys along with counselors and children advocates. Read More »
NYC PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS PRESENT SHOW UP! 2011
ENACT students and teaching artists will present the annual year-end event, SHOW UP! 2011 on Thursday, May 26th, 2011 at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College. ENACT’s fourth annual evening of original student-written dramatic performances illustrate the obstacles to staying in school. New York City Council Member Robert Jackson is slated to speak at the event, and more special guests are expected to address the crowd. Read More »
ENACT HONORED BY NADT
Congratulations to ENACT Executive Director Diana Feldman and Director of Training & Research Emilie Ward! In November, Diana and Emilie were honored by the National Association for Drama Therapy (NADT) with their annual Research Award. The NADT Research Award is given to a member of NADT in recognition of significant contributions to the field through research demonstrating the efficacy of drama therapy. Read the NADT press release »
ENACT WELCOMES NEW BOARD CHAIR AND NEW MEMBER
The board of directors of ENACT, Inc. has voted to approve Hector Batista, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, as a new member of their diverse and professional ranks. Charles Lemonides, chief investment officer and founder of ValueWorks LLC, has taken over as the chair of ENACT’s board. Read more »
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ENACT in Drama Therapy textbook
ENACT Founder & Executive Director, Diana Feldman, L-CAT, RDT, and Director of Research & Training, Emilie Ward, L-CAT, RDT, recently published a chapter in Current Approaches in Drama Therapy (2nd Edition, Springfield, Ill.: Charles C. Thomas, c2009). This chapter describes the 20+ history and application of the ENACT method in New York City's public school system. |
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ENACT student in the Daily News
ENACT student Joshua Martinez, from Legacy School for Integrated Studies, was recently featured in an article in the Daily News. In the article, Joshua describes how the ENACT program has kept him from dropping out of school and changed his future goals. |
