Performing Arts Research Institute

The "Citizen Participation Creative Project" aims to create high-quality works by having citizens, primarily residents of the Machida and Sagamihara areas, participate as performers in the creation of stage arts, collaborating with professional artists and students studying performing arts. Participating citizens come from all walks of life, and depending on the project, they are selected through auditions, just like the students. The key word here is "high quality." While "citizen participation" often gives the impression that skill level is secondary, this is not the case at all. Under the careful guidance of professionals, we strive for high quality and deliver a moving experience to the audience. The range of citizens who participate varies depending on the project, but so far, we have had participants ranging from junior high school students to people in their 80s. Of course, there are those who studied theater, dance, or singing in their student days, and those who are currently active in citizen theater groups or choirs, but it is also not uncommon for people with no experience to take on the challenge and perform for the first time. While "performing arts" certainly offers the pleasure of watching, the joy of participating as a creator and standing on the stage, a special occasion, is invaluable. Interactions are fostered among participants, creating new communities through "connections" and "bonds" in today's society where geographical and kinship ties are fading. Notable works include "Night on the Galactic Railroad," a choral musical drama performed every summer since 2007, the "Choral Story" series which started in 2022, and "My Life, My Stage," which was performed in 2025.

The image of "outreach programs," also known as "arts promotion activities," is that of reaching out beyond the venues where "performing arts" are performed, such as theaters and halls, and bringing art to society. In Japan, the "Basic Law on Culture and Arts" was enacted in 2001, and the "Law Concerning the Revitalization of Theaters, Concert Halls, etc. (commonly known as the "Theater Law")" was enacted in 2012, but until then, art, including performing arts, was generally viewed in the context of "hobbies." A hobby is something that only those who like it need to enjoy. However, there is a recognition that art has a power that goes beyond a hobby, a power that can enliven society and the people who live in it, and this led to a movement to bring art to society more broadly. So where should we bring it? There are mainly two. One is people who have not had much exposure to art until now. Children are a prime example of this, and the place where children are is school. The other is people who want to experience art but are in an environment where it is difficult to do so. The elderly and people with disabilities are prime examples of this, and the places where they are are nursing homes and welfare facilities. Outreach programs bring "performing arts" to that area.

We also run a project that delivers workshops conducted by professional artists and original works developed by students to elementary schools, nursing homes, and welfare facilities. Through this project, students have the opportunity to learn not only about "self-expression" but also about expressing themselves for the joy of others, a perspective that connects art and society.