The French Theater Project at the AATF Conference
The American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) is the largest national organization dedicated specifically to promoting the study of the French language and Francophone literatures and cultures at all levels of education. At this year's annual conference, the French Theater Project invites French educators to explore innovative pedagogical approaches that utilize contemporary performance as a dynamic tool for language acquisition and cultural literacy.
While classical dramatic works remain foundational to the French literary canon, engaging modern students requires a deliberate connection to a living, evolving language. The French Theater Project addresses this need by bringing contemporary, relatable French theater to the United States. These productions offer students exposure to authentic dialogue, present-day Francophone identities, and current societal shifts.
Our presentation will focus on the educational frameworks surrounding Alexis Michalik’s award-winning production, Le Porteur d'Histoire. This highly physical, fast-paced ensemble play avoids traditional, dialogue-heavy structures, making it an excellent immersive medium for developing active fluency and critical thinking across various student proficiency levels.
Presentation Details
Date & Time: Monday, July 13 at 1:00 PM (Block 9)
Location: Baltic Room, 7th Floor
Educational Initiatives for Fall 2026
Attendees will learn about three distinct integration pathways available for high school and university classrooms:
Curriculum Integration: Methodologies for incorporating the Magnard student edition of Le Porteur d'Histoire alongside a specialized curriculum guide developed specifically for American learners.
Experiential Learning: Opportunities to attend the live production at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston from November 13–15, 2026. To ensure accessibility, the production features English surtitles and offers subsidized student group rates alongside complimentary teacher materials.
In-School Engagement: Frameworks for hosting a professional actor from the touring company for interactive workshops or targeted Q&A sessions conducted in French.
We invite you to attend this session to discuss how theater can enhance your current curriculum and to receive a copy of our comprehensive teaching resources. For further inquiries, please contact info@frenchtheaterproject.com.