Le théâtre, un support pédagogique innovant pour développer le capital culturel des étudiants

Over the past two decades, the French university has undergone two transforma- tions: an increase in the number of its postgraduates and a standardization of the titles of its programs (within the framework of the European harmonization of uni- versity systems). In this new context, how can universities differentiate their edu- cational offerings? How can they help their students to stand out in the job market? In France, the problem is significant: there are half as many executive jobs as there are graduates of higher education. The development of pedagogical innovations is a possible response. These pedagogical innovations can facilitate the learning of behavioral and relational skills by students. This article begins by examining the role of cultural capital and soft skills in the professional integration of students. It continues by presenting three pedagogical projects that linked academic teaching and theatrical performances. The first example allowed students to deepen their understanding of the ethical issues involved in restructuring. The second project familiarized a class of master's students with the links between work evaluation and burnout. The third innovation led to the creation of a cultural course allowing students to deepen their knowledge of the management of several cultural institu- tions and to attend a theatrical performance related to their training.