Michael Rohd is a theatre-maker, educator, process designer, writer and facilitator. His research and creative practice is focused on civic imagination. He has a 30+ year history of projects across sectors bringing cultural activity to the work of public engagement, community planning and cross-sector coalition building. In 1992 in Washington DC he co-founded Hope Is Vital, an arts & public health program that, over 8 years, helped start up theatre-based public engagement/HIV prevention coalitions in over 80 communities around the US. In 1999, he co-founded Sojourn Theatre and served as artistic director for 20 years, co creating and directing nearly 30 devised often site specific and participatory theatre works. In 2012, he co-founded Center for Performance and Civic Practice, a collective of nine artists/facilitators who work with organizations and agencies around the country on community research, transformational process and system change. He is currently Civic Collaborations Director for One Nation One Project, a national arts/municipality/public health project & research cohort in partnership with National League of Cities; he is co-designer/co-facilitator for Art-Train, a virtual national technical assistance program in partnership with Springboard for the Arts. He recently founded the Co-Lab for Civic Imagination at the University of Montana, and he is author of the book Theatre for Community, Conflict and Dialogue.
Key Takeaways
Groups of people share something, whether that is space, time, values or goals
What is the harm of entering a space with the intention of persuading others at all costs?
Bringing people together might require different tactics depending on their goals. Reflect and dialogue with community members before jumping in
Working with a co-facilitator makes for better processes and better outcomes
When things are off, be mindful. Pause and be transparent about what might be going wrong
We all need to build our capacity for listening
Guest’s Media Recommendations:
The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (book)
Can’t Drink Salt Water by Kendra Mylnechuk Potter (play)
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Find Guest’s work:
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For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay
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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.
Editing and co-production of this podcast by Emma Yarger.
Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!