Bringing drama into the classroom isn’t just about performance — it’s about creating a safe, dynamic space where students can explore ideas, connect with one another, and express themselves freely. When teachers use drama-based methods, they open doors to collaboration, creativity, and deeper emotional understanding.
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From 6–12 July 2025, a group of educators from across Europe gathered in Bologna for the course Drama in Education: Tools for Creativity, Trust, and Emotional Intelligence in the Classroom. The participants included Ines Libertad from EOI Palma (Spain), Natália Maria Carvalho Azevedo M. Pinto from Agrupamento de Escolas de Vilela (Portugal), Stephanie from ST Adrien La Salle (France), Laura from Ulrich von Hutten Gymnasium (Germany), Friederike and Stefanie from Otto-Schott-Gymnasium, Jena (Germany), Jordan from Killinarden Community School (Ireland), and Arlette from IC Marco Polo, Trieste (Italy).
The week began on Monday with introductions and an open conversation about expectations, contributions, and any concerns. The first sessions explored the core ideas behind drama in education, looking closely at how it differs from — and overlaps with — traditional theatre.

On Tuesday, the focus turned to emotional intelligence, drawing on Daniel Goleman’s framework. Through hands-on drama exercises, participants explored the emotions wheel and practiced role play activities designed to build social and emotional skills. Storytelling techniques were also introduced, with an emphasis on how they can enrich learning in school settings.
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Wednesday’s activities centred on trust, collaboration, and improvisation. In small groups, participants took part in a “10 quests” challenge, where each task revealed one of the ten principles of improvisation. Along the way, they experienced first-hand how teamwork and a sense of belonging can transform the learning process.
Thursday delved into drama as a tool for cultural awareness and intercultural education. Participants explored how performance-based activities can highlight and celebrate diversity in the classroom. The day also included a creative session on the role of music in education and its benefits for student engagement.

On Friday, it was time to put it all together. Participants looked at practical ways to integrate drama-based activities into different school subjects, from languages and history to maths and science. The final challenge was to design and present their own original activity, combining the techniques and insights gained during the week.
By the end of the course, the group left with more than just a set of strategies — they had built a shared understanding of how drama can foster creativity, trust, and emotional intelligence. The experience also strengthened professional bonds across countries, giving each participant fresh ideas and renewed energy to bring back to their classrooms.