Abstract:
I am currently doing an artistic action research about entrance exams of an acting program of Theatre academy of The University of Arts Helsinki. My data consists of the interviews and material of non-participant observation. The aims of the research are to increase self- understanding of the jury and transparency of the process as well as to examine the possible ways of developing the accessibility and diversity in program. I am also interested in entrance exams as pedagogical practice – a first phase of working with future students, learning about them and their challenges, a platform for teachers to learn from each others´ working and also a possibility of learning for those applicants who won´t be accepted as students. Framing entrance exams as a pedagogical event opens possibilities but it is also important to consider ethical questions – radically asymmetrical setup between applicants and jury.
BIO:
Anu Koskinen is an actor, a researcher (Doctor of Art in theatre and drama) and a lecturer in University of Arts Helsinki. She teaches acting (actor´s psychophysical instrument), community theatre in different contexts (for example prisons and secondary schools) and art pedagogy and supervises MA theses.