Concordia University proudly celebrates over 25 years of its Drama Therapy graduate program, a pioneering initiative that fuses theatre and psychotherapy to rekindle the joy of play and foster holistic healing. Founded by Professor Emeritus Stephen Snow in collaboration with Barbara MacKay, the program has evolved into a global force under the current leadership of Associate Professor Bonnie Harnden.
In the mid-1970s, Stephen Snow, a struggling actor turned Ph.D. candidate in performance studies, crossed paths with Barbara MacKay, a distinguished theatre education professor. This serendipitous encounter led to Snow’s journey to Concordia in 1992 and the subsequent establishment of the Drama Therapy program in 1997.
The essence of drama therapy lies in its ability to reawaken the joy of play. By combining the processes of theatre and drama with psychotherapeutic principles, the program offers a dynamic platform for storytelling, role-playing, and performance to address various issues. This innovative approach is renowned for its immediate and transformative impact.
Stephen Snow emphasizes how drama therapy revitalizes play, making it a vibrant medium for dynamic storytelling and therapeutic practices. The program has not only sustained itself over 25 years but has flourished, showcasing its enduring impact and relevance.
Stephen Snow reflects on the program’s initiation, attributing its success to collaboration with Barbara MacKay and the dedication to curriculum planning. The program has attracted talented faculty, including Christine Novy, Joanabbey Sack, Jason Butler, and Yehudit Silverman. Over the years, faculty research has expanded the program’s scope, covering areas like drama therapy for children and movement assessment.
The program continues to thrive with current faculty members like Jessica Bleuer, focusing on cultural equity work and racialized microaggressions in higher education. The department now offers a graduate certificate in play therapy, extending its influence to include the language of play in therapeutic contexts.
The Centre for the Arts in Human Development, co-founded by Stephen Snow in 1996, has been instrumental in conducting research on the effectiveness of creative arts therapies. With grants from the Social Science Humanities Research Council, the center has contributed significantly to the field, emphasizing the importance of solid research in creative arts therapies.
The Drama Therapy program’s impact extends worldwide, with over 250 graduates influencing the field in various capacities. Alumni serve as leaders in organizations like the North American Drama Therapy Association and the French National Drama Therapy Association. One graduate even directs the Drama Therapy Graduate Program at NYU.
As the Drama Therapy program enters its 26th year, the commitment to building a legacy of transformative healing and global influence remains unwavering. The program’s impact resonates through the testimonials of students and the expansive reach of its graduates, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the realm of creative arts therapies.
