Dialogue in Artistic Practice explores the work of three exemplary artist companies. Case studies examine the Animating Democracy projects implemented by these companies, as well as their long traditions of community engagement, to highlight how dialogue is inherently a part of their artistic practice. Through a form that alternates dance performance and dialogue, Urban Bush Women’s Hair Parties Project taps personal experiences to generate dialogue about the politics of hair within the African-American community and to examine deeper issues of race, class, and social justice. Cornerstone Theater Company’s Faith-Based Theater Cycle explores how faith unites and divides American society. This case study examines Cornerstone’s dialogic approach to developing plays; discusses Zones, a play in which audience dialogue is integral to the plot and action; and describes the new approaches it developed in collaboration with its partner, The National Conference for Community and Justice. The Liz Lerman Dance Exchange analyzes its artistic concepts and practices in relation to qualities of effective dialogue—excavating the tools, principles, and “dialogue moments” in their work, using the Hallelujah project as a key point of reference.

Dialogue in Artistic Practice explores the work of three exemplary artist companies. Case studies examine the Animating Democracy projects implemented by these companies, as well as their long traditions of community engagement, to highlight how dialogue is inherently a part of their artistic practice. Through a form that alternates dance performance and dialogue, Urban Bush Women’s Hair Parties Project taps personal experiences to generate dialogue about the politics of hair within the African-American community and to examine deeper issues of race, class, and social justice. Cornerstone Theater Company’s Faith-Based Theater Cycle explores how faith unites and divides American society. This case study examines Cornerstone’s dialogic approach to developing plays; discusses Zones, a play in which audience dialogue is integral to the plot and action; and describes the new approaches it developed in collaboration with its partner, The National Conference for Community and Justice. The Liz Lerman Dance Exchange analyzes its artistic concepts and practices in relation to qualities of effective dialogue—excavating the tools, principles, and “dialogue moments” in their work, using the Hallelujah project as a key point of reference.