Our style of work

Using drama and interactivity to enhance learning is now a popular approach to training and organisational change. We are able to create a setting where delegates benefit from a safe, non-confrontational learning environment which allows them the opportunity to challenge their own boundaries in an effective, engaging setting.

Whilst we can incorporate more traditional training methods (e.g. use of PowerPoint to communicate relevant theories or policies) into any of our formats, the key techniques we use fall into three areas:

• – Scene-led training
• – Actor-led training
• – Multi Media

Through the consultation stages of any project with our clients, we collaboratively agree the best techniques to use in order to achieve the specific aims of the programme. We will obviously provide advice and information based on the success of previous projects delivered in order to select the best mix of techniques.

Scene-led training

All our scene-led training centres around scripted drama, designed to meet your specific needs and reflect your organisation. This very delicate balance is so important – we need to create drama which is relevant and credible without being too close for comfort. We will start by running a number of scripting focus groups in order to firstly understand your needs in more depth, then we will consult with your relevant stakeholders in order to gain perspective and subtle feedback that helps the tone of the drama to be as accurate as possible.

Following this, our development team use the findings and start to build the scripted drama and interactive exercises into a workshop format, always keeping the programme objectives in mind. A full day workshop can on average include up to seven different drama-based scenes with a half day workshop around four scenes. This is completely dependent on the complexity of the issues being covered and the interactive techniques used to compliment the scripted drama.

All our training workshops are delivered by professional Trainer Facilitators, utilising open forum discussion and facilitated questioning as a matter of cause.

Forum Theatre allows delegates to provide the characters within the scripted drama with advice as to what they should do differently. The scene is then re-run for the delegates to ascertain collectively how successful the proposed changes have been. Normally this activity allows for numerous suggestions and discussions amongst the delegates regarding the perceived benefit of the changes. This technique allows delegates to really think through cause-effect processes and how the behaviour of one person impacts on another. It allows delegates to propose suggestions that may normally be outside their comfort zone and initiate changes they may not normally feel empowered to make.

Hot Seating is another interactive technique that may be used within the workshop. Hot seating provides delegates with the opportunity to question characters from the scripted drama to perhaps gain an understanding of their motives, concerns, background – anything the delegates feel is relevant to help understand the behaviour of the character. Again delegates are able to ask questions that they may not usually feel able to ask. This really helps learners to engage with the characters and start to think about changes that will be transferred to the workplace.

In-role is often used within management development and customer service workshops. Not to be confused with role play, In-role (which only requires delegates to be themselves) involves delegates working in small groups to “meet” with a character from a scripted piece of the drama. In-role exercises are always to work to a specific brief – this may be conducting a return to work interview, performance coaching, handling challenging discussions or many more possibilities. The group all have the opportunity to contribute but questioning the character comes through one nominated person. This enables the group to review their progress and provide feedback.

Thought-tracking is a technique that is often used with emotive scripted scenes in order to really engage the hearts and minds of delegates. This technique provides delegates with the ability to understand how the characters are feeling – an area that is often neglected whilst we deal with causes and consequences. Again it provides delegates with an opportunity to discuss grey areas they may not feel comfortable to do in other settings.

All the interactive drama-based training techniques described above, can successfully be used in conjunction with more traditional exercises in line with the objectives of the training.

We can also utilise voting technology (interactive handsets) within training workshops and conferences to facilitate confidential respondents from delegates. Not only can this be delivered in a fun, quiz-style way but it can also provide clients with immediate evaluation feedback.

Actor-led training

A workshop built around actor-led techniques (sometimes called simulated drama) does not include any scripted drama but it provides delegates with a brief and character profiles in order to establish what best practice may look like in a given situation and provide delegates with an opportunity to practice their skills development.

Multi-Media

We have completed a number of different projects using self learning or trainer led techniques with the use of bespoke DVD based learning.

We can design, script, film, edit and produce a complete DVD (or online) training resource that is based on your specific learning objectives, set in a location that is credible with your target learners.

The DVD training resource can be produced to be delivered by a Trainer or through self learning. Should you wish to commission a Trainer-led DVD project, we can also provide Train-the-Trainer workshops to fully prepare your selected Trainers to successfully deliver the DVD training.

We have produced bespoke DVD training resources for Councils, NHS trusts and Housing associations. For a sample of our work in this area, please contact Dan Alexander on 07917 518710 or by email to dalexander@theatreand.com