'We know the power of theatre and performance.
To express. To reflect. To transform.
Theatre can be research. Theatre is creation. Theatre is engagement.
Theatre speaks in the language of metaphor but conveys an inner truth.'
— British Association of Dramatherapists
Therapeutic Theatre provides a unique space for storytelling, healing, and personal empowerment. It aims to provide a safe space where participants can explore their emotions, experiences, and personal narratives to discover new awareness, build confidence and grow self-esteem.
Often, participants gain a sense of mastery from completing the project, enhancing their self-efficacy.
The Hobo's Artistic Director Jeffrey Bryant Jones is a retired newspaper editor with more than 35 years' experience in the industry. He has been acting since he was a teenager and teaching drama in Central Victoria for the past 10 years.
In December, 2025, Jeff was awarded a Master of Creative Arts Therapy degree, majoring in drama therapy, by the University of Melbourne after passing with first class honours.
He believes the degree will help him further explore and integrate his love of acting, teaching, storytelling and writing. His goal is to provide opportunities for people from marginalised communities to explore, create and perform their stories through Therapeutic Theatre.
Jeff is currently planning to facilitate a Therapeutic Theatre project for a small group of adults in Central Victoria in July-August 2026. Stay tuned.
Therapeutic Theatre uses drama therapy methods to assist participants to therapeutically develop a play based on an important issue or a key theme. The play is often co-created from scratch by a group of participants and a drama therapist who facilitates the project.
Alternatively, the play can be based on a myth, legend or fairytale and developed to include an exploration of the lived experiences of participants. Roles are established with therapeutic goals in mind and the project always culminates in a public performance, which can be very empowering for the participants.
This approach creates a powerful opportunity for personal growth, community connection, and artistic expression in a supportive therapeutic environment.
