ABSTRACT
Data was collected from audience members in Alberta and Ontario over a 20-year period with the last 12 from a consistent longitudinal mixed-methods quantitative and qualitative questionnaire. Topics ranges from implicit bias in health care academic integrity, university teaching, the first-year university experience, homelessness, mental health, drinking choice, and early warning signs of heart disease, among others with audiences of health care workers and university students. Responses were overwhelmingly positive across programs. Well over 80% of responses across groups Agreed and Strongly Agreed that the program was effective, often more so than other forms of instruction. Many claimed that the program that they experienced made an impact that they would apply to their personal and professional lives, citing specific examples.
The longitudinal study also provided useful data on Mirror Theatre’s approach; 93% felt invited but not pressured to participate and 89% believed that their program provided “a range of issues that enabled good discussion”. Specifics were obtained from the qualitative questions.
In addition, to audience responses, former cast members responded to a qualitative questionnaire regarding their participation. All valued the sense of community crated that they believe contributed to stronger products. While extracurricular, they commented on how their involvement contributed to their understanding of the topics, research, and theatre making and would apply their insights into their personal and professional lives.
