Abstract

This paper presents the experience of two adolescents, traditionally labeled as "youth at-risk", involved in the collaboration of a public performance rising out of Performative Style Drama Therapy Process. This unique project combines the creativity and dedication of several groups of people including adults living with mental handicaps (the primary participants), University Creative Arts Therapists and the two so-called youth at-risk or whom we call "Cry Arts Apprentices". The focus is on the journey of the apprentices. The process is explored at several levels. The paper begins with a brief historical and factual overview of the phenomenon of Performative Style Drama Therapy and how it is approached at The Centre for the Arts in Human Development. In the second part of the study I have attempted to bring the phenomenon of "youth at-risk" to task by presenting the apprentices only through the descriptions of themselves. The project itself is presented in detail with transcripts of interviews and journal excerpts offered by the apprentices and other participants in the process. Themes and meanings that emerged through out the creation period and production are presented and considered in greater detail. The purpose of this research, for the most part, is to present a "successful" portrayal of integration through the Performative Style Drama Therapy process.