Creativity for a different perspective

Being grounded in theatrical techniques translates our Theatreworks programme into a more creative experience than the average business training.

It is this holistic and creative approach that so many of our participants respond to, citing it as a huge benefit as it helps them throw themselves into the course and get the most out of it.

Past workshop participants have commented on the energy of the Theatreworks sessions, using words like ‘engaging’ and ‘liberating’ to describe their experiences. A recent participant noted that the different, more artistic approach helped put her ‘at ease quite quickly’.

Whether we’re delivering a scheduled open course or designing a bespoke programme for a specific client, our facilitators bring their experience as artists to every session. They apply similar exercises and techniques in Theatreworks that they use in the rehearsal room as working actors, directors and storytellers to help participants tap into their creativity and bring more of themselves into the experience.

This approach makes it more human, more ‘alive’ – as one participant suggested – and more memorable.

Delving into this humanity and the participants’ own experiences helps the training to ring true both on the day and in the future. Theatreworks facilitator Sarah Thom explained:

‘The creative process helps participants to draw on their personalities and get to the heart of what makes each of them tick as a communicator.’

The very nature of our creative approach helps Theatreworks participants to connect with the experience, each other and the facilitators. These connections lend themselves to unlocking new ideas and interpretations that can add new perspectives to exercises on the day as well as enrich future workplace tasks, presentations and interactions.

Fellow facilitator Debbie Korley said:

‘We are helping people to unlock their confidence through imagination, curiosity and play. Inviting them to reflect on how situations make them feel. By starting from the inside and working out, they can begin with something they are passionate about and knit their corporate message or story into that.’

Working in the arts helps prepare our facilitators to think, as Sarah describes, ‘in the spotlight’. They are expected to improvise, deliver a line or direct the action with every performance (or workshop), giving them the tools to make quick decisions, deliver feedback and think on their feet – something many others find challenging or even daunting.

These skills inform every session our team facilitates, providing tools to help participants learn to deal with the pressures of the spotlight by putting their authentic selves at the centre.

After all, people are at the heart of every business, which is why Theatreworks gives participants permission to engage themselves. It provides them with a safe space to rehearse what it feels like to tap into their memories, empathy, strengths and – most importantly – their humanity.

This helps provide them with confidence to harness the pressure and energy of the spotlight in their workplaces, ultimately allowing them to deliver more powerful presentations, field difficult negotiations and even address challenging situations head on.