Objective: Theater, as a "communication tool" due to its nature, plays an effective role in conveying meaning and concepts. Based on this, the main goal of the current research is to know the theoretical and practical aspects of educational theater and its feasibility for health education as a medium.
Methods: To achieve this goal, researchers have used the qualitative research method with thematic analysis approach. In order to answer the research questions, semi-in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 experts and experts in the field of health communication and educational theater.
Results: The results show that by "reforming the education and training system" and considering "theatre as an educational medium in development" and "empowering and developing the knowledge and awareness of people in the society" it can be considered in line with the development goals of governments. Also, theater can be used with "assistance and surgery of various crises through the transfer of experience", "encouraging the audience to participate in solving the crisis", "cultivation and crisis prevention" and "criticism tool in crises".
Conclusions: In the Corona crisis, theater can be a facilitator by "teaching health messages in the unconscious of the audience", "teaching self-care and prevention of diseases among children and adolescents" and "educational tool for sustainable health behaviors". Based on research, if we consider theater as a medium, "health communications" is an issue that should be taken into account by health and wellness officials and practitioners. that health education should help individuals increase their knowledge and skills so that they can make decisions regarding their own health, the health of their families, and the communities they live in. Another result of the research is that educational theater can act in line with developmental goals. According to the research findings, development is directly related to education. Development will not occur if the educational foundations have not been established first. Educational theater is a special and efficient means of advancing educational goals and expanding the boundaries of learning. The conclusion reached regarding the use of theater's capacities as a medium in various crises is that theater is always present in different crises. In fact, the agency that theater itself has as an important institution in society can fully address significant crises. The impact of theater is high due to its liveliness and the emotional atmosphere it can create. On the other hand, in the post-COVID era, educational theaters play an effective role in boosting hope for life. Theater can significantly contribute to restoring morale and hope for life and alleviating anxieties. One of the important roles that media, especially theater, can play in the post-COVID era is strengthening social relationships and interactions. Theater, by bringing people together and forming communities, has taken the first steps in shaping social bonds. Media, especially theater, will take on an intermediary role in the post-COVID era. They can repair the connections that were previously severed. Another point that specialists in this research mentioned is that promoting logical, reasoned, and critical thinking about the issue of COVID, instead of superstitious and one-sided thinking, is important and can be conveyed through theater in the post-COVID era. Therefore, in the post-COVID period, many of the superstitions and rumors that spread during the COVID era can be explained and critiqued.