TEP@Aruba kicked off with a research week from October 12 through 18, 2025, in collaboration with Fundacion Arte Pro Arte. This week focused on three main areas:
a neighborhood theater workshop, discussions with government agencies and educational institutions, and the first in-person meeting of the design team for the new regional
theater teacher training program.

During the workshop, theater professionals, teachers, and social workers from Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten and St. Eustatius on how theater can contribute to stronger neighborhoods and greater social cohesion. Under the guidance of experienced creators from Aruba, Colombia, Curaçao, and the Netherlands, participants learned how to work with local residents to collect, develop, and present stories from the neighborhood. Personal experiences, local history, and current issues were developed into theatrical scenes and presentations.

In addition, discussions were held with representatives from the government and the education sector regarding the importance of theater education for Aruba’s cultural and social development. At the same time, the design team continued to work on developing a regional, part-time associate degree program in theater education as part of the Theatre Education Program.