interpretation
Volume 15, Number 1 - National Association for Interpretation
Volume 15, Number 1 - National Association for Interpretation
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Improvisational Theater Games for Children<br />
in Park Interpretation<br />
E. Kim Macklin<br />
Banff National Park<br />
P.O. Box 5552, Banff, Alberta T1L 1G6 Canada<br />
(403) 556-6636<br />
kim.macklin@pc.gc.ca<br />
Glen T. Hvenegaard<br />
Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies<br />
University of Alberta, Augustana Campus<br />
4901-46 Avenue, Camrose, Alberta T4V 2R3 Canada<br />
(780) 679-1574; fax: (780) 679-1590<br />
glen.hvenegaard@ualberta.ca<br />
Paul E. Johnson<br />
Professor of Drama<br />
University of Alberta, Augustana Campus<br />
4901-46 Avenue, Camrose, Alberta T4V 2R3 Canada<br />
(780) 679-1612<br />
paul.johnson@ualberta.ca<br />
Abstract<br />
With children increasingly disconnected from nature and much <strong>interpretation</strong> geared<br />
toward adults, agencies need age-appropriate techniques for children. Improvisational<br />
theater games use group-based role-playing to solve problems through dialogue and<br />
activity in a creative, spontaneous, supportive, and interactive atmosphere. This<br />
paper highlights children’s enjoyment and perceived learning resulting from a new<br />
improvisation program in Banff National Park, Canada.<br />
We thematically analyzed open-ended evaluations of an improvisation-dominated<br />
program. The activities enjoyed most included improvisation, because they involved<br />
fun, physical activity, creativity, challenge, and novelty. The least-enjoyed activities<br />
were physical activity games and an interpretive talk. Perceived learning was highest
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