Drama Therapy is defined by the National Association for Drama Therapy as the systematic and intentional use of drama/theatre processes to achieve the therapeutic goals of symptom relief, emotional and physical integration, and personal growth. It is an active, experiential approach to psychotherapy that involves the use of role play, improvisation, psychodrama, storytelling, mask work, puppetry and performance to facilitate personal exploration, change and healing. Through the lens of drama therapy, this course will examine various clinical populations from the perspective of pathology, socio-cultural values and norms, developmental issues, and therapeutic goals. Populations to be discussed include older adults, children, adolescents, the homeless, the physically ill, the mentally ill, post traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, care givers and more. Therapeutic goals, evaluation of play potential, dimensions of the institutional setting, and various drama therapy methods will be explored for each population. Course work will include personal exploration of what it means to be a member of a “special population,” an interview of a registered drama therapist, a performance/presentation based on this interview, and a final case study accompanied by a drama therapy treatment plan.