One unexpected answer: theatre.
That’s exactly what the JOY in Sports project set out to explore—by introducing Forum Theatre to young sports team captains. The result? A surprisingly powerful experience that left a lasting impact.
What Is Forum Theatre?
Forum Theatre is an interactive form of theatre where the audience doesn’t just watch—they participate. Developed by Brazilian theatre director Augusto Boal as part of his Theatre of the Oppressed, this method turns spectators into “spect-actors,” inviting them to step into the scene, suggest solutions, and even act out different outcomes.
It’s a hands-on way to rehearse real-life change, especially in situations where people feel powerless.
When Captain School Meets the Stage
In the JOY in Sports project, this method was piloted through TuTo sports club’s Captain School—a leadership training program for young athletes aged 12–17. Drama instructor students from a local university created scenes based on real experiences collected from the participants.
The workshop began with interviews and conversations about what it’s like to be a young team captain. From this, the students built a short performance with three relatable scenarios—highlighting moments of conflict, pressure, and peer dynamics in team sports.
The first version of the performance—the horror version—showed everything going wrong. Then, the scenes were replayed, this time with the audience jumping in to suggest better ways to handle the situations. A host character known as the Joker guided the process, making sure everyone felt safe, heard, and empowered to speak up.
What Did the Young Captains Learn?
For many participants, this was their first time experiencing community theatre—and for some, their first time at a theatre at all. The situations felt real, even when exaggerated, and the chance to change the story gave them a sense of agency many hadn’t felt before.
The final evaluation of the Captain School found that the Forum Theatre session was the most impactful part of the entire program. It didn’t just teach leadership—it helped young people believe they have the power to influence their environment.
Theatre as a Tool for Change
The JOY in Sports project showed that arts and sports can work hand-in-hand to build stronger, more empathetic leaders. Forum Theatre doesn’t offer ready-made answers—it offers a chance to explore, reflect, and grow.
Look JOY in Sports Finnish partner TUAS article in Talk Magazine “Hyvä elämä”.
https://issuu.com/turunamk/docs/talk_magazine_2025_hyv_el_m_
More information about the project: www.joyinsports.com
