Empowering Voices: A Prop-Based Approach to Theater Therapy for Students with Disabilities
Location
Boston 1
Session Format
Presentation
Abstract
The technical side of theater, particularly the use of props, offers significant benefits for students with intellectual disabilities. Because props are tangible objects, they provide a concrete way to engage with abstract theatrical concepts. Working with props helps to develop crucial skills like fine motor control, problem-solving, and organization. Students can improve hand-eye coordination by handling small items, enhance critical thinking by exploring how a prop can be used to tell a story, and learn responsibility by managing props for a scene.
Beyond these practical skills, using props is a form of theater therapy that provides emotional and social benefits. It’s a safe, low-pressure way for students to explore emotions and different characters, which can boost confidence and encourage imaginative play. This process also fosters collaboration and teamwork, as students must communicate to ensure props are ready for the stage. The sense of pride from seeing their prop used on stage is a powerful tool for building self-image and a connection to the creative process.
Keywords
Theater Therapy, Intellectual Disabilities, Theater, Props
Professional Bio
Melvin S. Marsh is an adjunct professor of psychology at Alabama State University. He obtained his MS in Psychology from Georgia Southern University and has over 4 decades of work in the entertainment industry.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Marsh, Melvin S., "Empowering Voices: A Prop-Based Approach to Theater Therapy for Students with Disabilities" (2026). Georgia Educational Research Association Conference. 66.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gera/2026/2026/66
Empowering Voices: A Prop-Based Approach to Theater Therapy for Students with Disabilities
Boston 1
The technical side of theater, particularly the use of props, offers significant benefits for students with intellectual disabilities. Because props are tangible objects, they provide a concrete way to engage with abstract theatrical concepts. Working with props helps to develop crucial skills like fine motor control, problem-solving, and organization. Students can improve hand-eye coordination by handling small items, enhance critical thinking by exploring how a prop can be used to tell a story, and learn responsibility by managing props for a scene.
Beyond these practical skills, using props is a form of theater therapy that provides emotional and social benefits. It’s a safe, low-pressure way for students to explore emotions and different characters, which can boost confidence and encourage imaginative play. This process also fosters collaboration and teamwork, as students must communicate to ensure props are ready for the stage. The sense of pride from seeing their prop used on stage is a powerful tool for building self-image and a connection to the creative process.
