Colin Skelton 🕸️’s Post

I begin rehearsals for my new show in about 2 weeks… I’m very excited! Let’s explore the world of fearless theatre-making. It’s not just about putting on a show; it’s about creating something extraordinary, challenging norms, and setting the stage alight with our boldness. Being fearless in theatre means embracing the unknown. It’s about venturing into uncharted territories, experimenting with unconventional ideas, and daring to fail. Because in those failures often lie the seeds of true theatrical brilliance. Curiosity guides us in this theatrical journey. We must question everything - why does this character behave this way? What if we performed the script backwards? How can we make the audience not just watch, but feel, smell, taste the story?I’ve always believed that the most powerful theatre comes from a place of honesty and imagination. It’s about peeling back the layers of society and ourselves, exposing the truth underneath. It’s about creating moments that make the audience react and question everything they thought they knew. Being curious means we’re always learning and growing. We draw inspiration from everywhere - the bustling streets of Hong Kong, ancient myths, modern technology - everything has the potential to inspire. Let’s be bold. Let’s create theatre that provokes, challenges, and leaves our audience changed. Let’s not just push boundaries - let’s redefine them entirely.In theatre, being fearless and curious isn’t just an option - it’s a necessity. Who’s ready to create some theatrical magic? #FearlessTheatre #CuriousCreator #TheatreMagic #BoldArtistry #hkyaf #lindseymcalister #lindseymcalisterart

Can Theatre Solve Corporate Challenges? In the world of theater, improvisation is a key skill that actors use to adapt to live dynamics. Believe it or not, this same skill can be your secret weapon in the corporate arena. In business, just like on stage, the ability to respond swiftly and creatively to unexpected challenges can distinguish you as a leader and innovator. ( the technique of: Thinking on your Feet) At your next team meeting, embrace the unexpected. Instead of sticking rigidly to the agenda, encourage spontaneous ideas and see where they lead. This practice can foster creativity and unexpected solutions. Has improvisation ever saved your day at work? Let me know your stories below! #theatreartist #actorlife #softskillcoach #selfdevelopment

At Unlock Drama, we harness the power of theatre to explore complex topics and foster deep empathy among participants. Our projects challenge individuals to confront issues they would typically avoid, using drama as a medium for dialogue and understanding. Essential in rehabilitation. This immersive approach not only draws the audience into the narrative but also facilitates a deeper engagement with the content, allowing for a profound exploration of the characters’ emotions and decisions. By placing participants in the shoes of others, theatre becomes a tool for reflection and growth, helping them see the broader impact of their actions. Through this dynamic interaction, we witness remarkable transformations in our participants, as they develop new perspectives and emotional intelligence that are crucial for personal and communal healing. www.unlockdrama.com rebecca@unlockdrama.com #TheatreForChange #EmpathyThroughArt #UnlockPotential

I just came back from Latvia where I attended applied theatre workshops and I am all excited about it. What does theatre have to do with leading organizational change in business? Turns out that a lot! To lead successful change in a company we need to reach people's hearts. To me, very few power point presentations can do it ;) A whole new world is to convey change message through the body. Allowing people to test how it would actually FEEL when the change happens is my discovery of the month. And adding playefulness for sure can do no harm to the process ;) Can't wait to test theatre techniques in business environment. Do you use theatre techniques to lead change? I'm curious to know more about your experience! #LeadingChange #AppliedTheatre #Playfulness

What does creativity mean to you? 💭 In case you missed it, we talked to our facilitators about how their definitions feed a creative experience for Theatreworks participants. Read the blog post here: https://lnkd.in/eAb5UVCV And sign up to our newsletter so you never miss another post: https://lnkd.in/eGpm3EEE

Theatre & Learning and development Last evening, my theatre group and I (I am a practising and performing theatre actor as a part time hobby) put up a play - a set of monologues based on the 9 emotions or the Indian Navarasas. The roles I played were completely contrary to who I am as a person. I had to experience fear and emote it on stage, but not in the way I normally experience it; rather I had to play it how an introverted, graceful and much older person would experience and portray it. I had to experience joy and emote it on stage as someone who was completely socially awkward. To say it was a challenge is an understatement. But it was extremely fulfilling. Theatre, just like all powerful art forms do, has taught me empathy, being comfortable in my own skin, new perspectives, creative style, adaptability, courage, reading a room, learning to take feedback with grace, communicating with ease, non verbal communication, leadership, teamwork, flexibility, spontaneity etc. - like nothing else ever has before. Being an L&OD professional, I often try to bring in theatre techniques to teaching concepts of communication, empathy, trust, leadership etc. I am no expert, and I am aware that there are so many more things being done by more qualified experts in this space. I thought I would reach out to my LinkedIn family to know more from anyone working in this space and learn about what else you do. Please do DM if you have successfully taught L&D topics using theatre techniques. I would be grateful to have a chat and explore. Ps: Picture is of me with my favourite transformer; just to bring some joy to this post exploring personal transformations :) #Mondaymusings #learninganddevelopment #leadership #teamwork #theatre #creativity

“We must all do theatre, to find out who we are, and to discover who we could become.” – Augusto Boal I attended Navgati’s two-day Theatre in Facilitation Workshop in the last week of May. As someone who loves to express herself through dance and drama, I was intrigued by the idea of applying theatre techniques in my professional role as a facilitator. Fifteen participants, predominantly from the Learning & Development and HR communities, attended the workshop. Meghna Singhee, our calm and composed facilitator, kickstarted the program by dispelling myths about theatre and clarifying the scope of the program. We were introduced to the concepts of sociometry and role interviews and explored their application in training programs. The program’s energetic co-facilitator, Rashmi Ravikumar, explained the power of improv and image theatre in enabling expression of thoughts and ideas through body movements. Thought-provoking discussions with fellow participants and insightful Q&A sessions with facilitators kept our grey cells ticking throughout the two days. I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the workshop. Along with the extensive list of interesting theatre games (I am yet to read the complete handbook!), the debrief questions after each activity have been my biggest takeaway. I realized that asking the right question to the right person at the right time could act as a catalyst for behavioral change. Thank you, facilitators and co-participants, for a memorable learning experience. Note: The last picture is our response to how we perceive ourselves in the garden of learning. What an innovative way to share our opinion as we click a group photo! #theatre #facilitationworkshop #learningleaders

It Takes an Army to Create Art: I’m part of the Theatre Gargantua TD Emerging Theatre Artist Roundtable this year. My intention to join was simple: make new artist friends. Around 10 emerging artists were selected to be part of sessions where we get mentorship, share resources and have profound discussions on how to create art sustainably and collaboratively. So much about storytelling through art—notably film and theatre—usually requires an army to make. Finding this army is I think the hardest part of professional art making. I’ve had experiences where I find the right people but the external circumstances do not allow for a collaboration. Or I find people and discover a little too late that while we were speaking the same language, we were speaking in entirely different dialects. I had a mentor joke that finding creative partnerships is harder than finding a romantic partner. In other fields the collaborative project is a bit more objective and standardized. Metrics and scopes are set. The process is concrete. When it comes to creating art together, especially art that changes the world, it’s a little less so. The process of creation needs to foster trust and vulnerability to co-create bravely. #emergingartist #creativeprocess #storytelling #theatre

🎭 Embracing the Stage: How Theater Transformed My Life 🌟 Reflecting on my journey through the world of theater, I'm compelled to share the profound impact it has had on my life. From the earliest moments of stepping onto the stage to the countless rehearsals and standing ovations, each experience has sculpted me into the person I am today. My life lessons from Theater 🍀 Courage in Vulnerability: Theater demands vulnerability. Stepping into character requires shedding inhibitions and embracing authenticity. Through portraying diverse roles, I've learned to confront my fears, break down walls, and connect with audiences on a deeply human level. 🍀 Collaboration and Teamwork: No production is a solo endeavor. Theater thrives on collaboration, requiring seamless coordination among actors, directors, stage crew, and beyond. Learning to listen, communicate, and compromise within a team setting has been invaluable both on and offstage. 🍀 Resilience in the Face of Adversity: The show must go on, regardless of the challenges that arise. Theater has taught me to adapt, persevere, and find creative solutions amidst setbacks. Each setback becomes an opportunity for growth and innovation. 🍀 Empathy and Perspective-taking: Stepping into different characters' shoes fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. Whether portraying a real life inspired character or a fictional character, theater encourages us to explore the complexities of the human experience with compassion and open-mindedness. 🍀 The Power of Storytelling: Theater has the ability to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and inspire change. As storytellers, we have the privilege and responsibility to amplify voices, challenge norms, and spark conversations that resonate far beyond the stage. The impact of theater extends far beyond the confines of the stage. It has equipped me with invaluable skills and perspectives that transcend the boundaries of performance art. Whether pursuing a career in theater, business, education, or any other field, the lessons learned under the spotlight are universally applicable. I invite you to share your own reflections on how theater has influenced your life. Together, let's celebrate the transformative power of the performing arts and continue to inspire and uplift one another. Break a leg! #Theater #PerformingArts #Inspiration #LifeLessons #Empathy #Storytelling #Teamwork #Resilience #Courage #Artistry #Creativity

🎭 Theatre as a Catalyst for Change 🎭 “Theatre makes people feel. It makes people realise this could be me…” This powerful feedback from one of our participants speaks volumes about the transformational role theatre can play in rehabilitation. By using theatre as a tool for change, we help participants feel the impact of their choices and actions. In our sessions, participants step into the shoes of others, allowing them to explore the consequences of their decisions not just for themselves, but for the wider community. This role-playing fosters victim awareness, deepening empathy and understanding that actions have real, lasting repercussions. The ripple effect is clear—when individuals are given the chance to reflect on the harm caused, it encourages: • Mindset shifts • Better problem-solving skills • Alternative decision-making pathways By embedding these skills through the immersive experience of theatre, we are helping to shape individuals who are more conscious of their choices and their broader impacts, thus reducing the likelihood of re-offending. Theatre allows participants to feel, reflect, and ultimately transform—this is why it plays such a pivotal role in rehabilitation. www.unlockdrama.com rebecca@unlockdrama.com #UnlockDrama #TheatreForChange #Rehabilitation #Empathy #VictimAwareness #ReducingReoffending #CreativeSolutions #CatalystForChange