Dramatizing learning, performing ourselves: Stories of theatre-based evaluation in Vancouver's downtown eastside

Abstract

Voices UP!, a play developed and performed collectively with participants from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, illustrates the use of theatre as an innovative evaluation method for data collection, analysis, and knowledge translation. This artful process can convey complex, experiential evaluation findings and create engaging opportunities for learning, while building relationships and skills among participants. In this article we describe the creation process utilized for this theatre-based evaluation project, as well as guiding principles and lessons learned for evaluators who may want to engage in similar theatre-based participatory work.