Academic tour to the National Theatre of Panama

Students of the Bachelor's Degree in Bilingual Tourism at UMECIT, La Chorrera campus, made an academic tour to the National Theater of Panama as part of the subject Performing Arts and its importance and impact on the development of tourism in the Republic of Panama.

The activity was conceived as a pedagogical strategy aimed at complementing students' theoretical training through direct experience in a professional artistic performance space. Through this visit, participants were able to observe firsthand the various elements that make up a theatrical production, such as set design, lighting, costumes, sound, and the use of stage space.

Likewise, the experience allowed us to understand the value of the National Theater as a historical, architectural and cultural heritage, highlighting its relevance within the development of cultural tourism in Panama.

From an academic perspective, the tour integrated several key functions of higher education. In the area of teaching, it promoted experiential learning by linking the content covered in class—such as physical actions, character development, and stage presence—with a real-world professional context.

Regarding the research, the students analyzed the National Theater as a heritage site and its relationship to cultural tourism as an engine of local development. Likewise, the activity strengthened university outreach by connecting students with cultural institutions in the country, promoting the recognition of the theater as a space for interaction between art, the community, and tourism.

The planning and execution of the tour also involved an academic management process that included coordination with the theater administration, logistical organization, and integration of the activity into the course curriculum. During the visit, the students participated in a guided tour of the facilities, which allowed them to learn about the workings of a professional stage and appreciate the importance of these cultural spaces.

With these types of initiatives, the university continues to strengthen the comprehensive education of its students, promoting practical learning, critical analysis, and respect for the country's cultural and artistic heritage.