Research Shorts: Culturally Responsive Teaching in Musical Theatre Production
6th February 2025
This week I’ve been talking about musical theatre teaching with U.S. academic, Dr Apinporn Chaiwanichsiri, and her recent work on culturally responsive teaching. She’s been looking at U.S high school music teachers and their ‘attitudes, practices, and challenges in integrating culturally responsive teaching (CRT) into their musical theatre productions, focusing on musical selection, material preparation, and guiding students in interpreting and representing songs.’
Her article, published just last month in the International Journal of Music Education, features a large survey with music teachers and argues that culturally responsive teaching can ‘cultivate an inclusive environment that honours diverse cultures, enriching the overall experience for students participating in musicals’.
The research used a survey targeted to teachers with at least two years of musical theatre experience, and Apinporn explains that the results revealed ‘music teachers prioritized selecting musicals reflecting students’ skills and identities, ensuring cultural accuracy in materials, interpretation, and representation, and fostering inclusive caring environments.’ She identifies these practices and aligns them with the theory around culturally responsive teaching to make a model for future work.
I asked who this research will be for, and she told me that,
‘This research will be valuable for music, theatre and musical theatre educators, directors, and community music partners, such as community theatre groups. It can guide them in selecting inclusive musicals, fostering supportive environments, and adapting teaching strategies that align with native cultures and reflect diverse student identities. It may also inspire curriculum changes, collaborations, and the development of new practices and musicals that promote cultural awareness and representation.’
I asked Dr Chaiwanichsiri to tell us more about her work, she explained ‘My background in musical theatre and as a music educator ignited my passion for research. As a former Asian international student involved in musical productions, I gained a deeper understanding of diversity and cultural representation. My research focuses on fostering inclusive learning environments through interdisciplinary arts, culturally responsive teaching, and cultural awareness in education and the arts.’
Read more:
- Chaiwanichsiri, A. (2025). High school music teachers’ attitudes and practices regarding culturally responsive teaching in musical theatre production. International Journal of Music Education, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/02557614241313392
Interview by Dr Sarah K. Whitfield – Research Manager at Music Mark
