Out the Shadow

Training course aims at developing new methodologies in youth work, with a focus on Black Light Theatre (BLT). The training is designed to build foundational skills in this unique and artistic method, exploring its potential for social inclusion and youth education.

Building Foundational Competencies in BLT Techniques:
Participants will:

• Learn the core elements of BLT, an engaging form of visual performance art where performers manipulate light and darkness, often using fluorescent costumes and props under UV light to create a magical experience.
• Gain insight into how BLT techniques can be adapted for educational purposes, particularly in youth work settings.
• Develop the ability to apply BLT techniques in their practice to promote creativity and engagement among young people.
• The training empowers youth workers to use BLT as a practical tool to address challenges faced by marginalized or at-risk youth.
• Participants will explore inclusive approaches in BLT that can make educational and social spaces more accessible and engaging for diverse groups.
• Through BLT, youth workers can facilitate non-verbal communication, collaboration, and self-expression—powerful tools in fostering inclusion among young people who may face language or cultural barriers.
• Acquisition of Basic BLT Methodology: Participants will learn the fundamental principles and techniques behind Black Light Theatre. This includes the use of light, darkness, props, and choreography to create immersive educational experiences.
• Competencies in Social Inclusion through BLT: Participants will be trained to use BLT as an inclusive tool, promoting social cohesion among young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Creation of Prototypes for Educational Activities: Participants will design and prototype their own educational activities using BLT. This hands-on experience allows them to test innovative teaching methods and tailor them to the needs of their specific target groups.

Participants as Co-Creators: At the first mobility of the project, participants will engage in the creative process by developing the foundational framework for educational methods based on BLT. This hands-on approach ensures that the resulting methodologies reflect the diverse perspectives, experiences, and needs of the youth workers and their target groups.

BLT as the Core Methodology: The focus will be on using Black Light Theatre as a tool for engagement and expression. Participants will explore its potential in youth work, particularly for addressing social inclusion, and will collaboratively design methods that leverage its unique visual and performative aspects.

As the project progresses, the foundational BLT methods co-created by participants will be refined and expanded by incorporating key elements from other theatrical methods during next mobilities:
1. Commedia dell'Arte (03.2025)
2. Improvisation (10.2025)
3. Theatre of the Oppressed (02.2026)