Making An Impact: Examining the Intersection of Happiness and Applied Theatre

This thesis examines how witnessing positive applied theatre can make a social impact by influencing people to become happier. This thesis is largely a literature review of applied theatre, happiness, positive psychology, and how these concepts intertwine. Also included is a section detailing a performance installation executed to explore whether using applied theatre practices makes others happy. Here, I define “impact” and contextualize what making an impact means in the realm of theatre, specifically applied theatre. I also outline the importance of happiness, its physical, mental, and emotional benefits, and why it should be used more often in applied theatre practices.<p></p>