Four Months, Four Workshops, and a Whole Lot of Play!

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩!

Every year I design and deliver an online drama in education programme for Ouch Theatre, an applied theatre company based in Nanjing, China. We just finished our last series on Sunday and I am feeling very proud of how much each participant has grown. Here are three top tips that I shared with my participants as we had our final closing session:

1️⃣ Don’t be afraid to play!

Through imaginative play, learners test possibilities, shift perspectives, and explore real-world issues in a low-stakes, embodied way. For educators and facilitators, embracing play means suspending judgement, saying “yes, and…”, and modelling curiosity. It invites learners into a co-created space of possibility.

2️⃣ Be flexible, drama works everywhere!

The strength of drama in education lies in its ability to connect the cognitive and affective domains, aka in a multitude of spaces. You might use freeze frames in a corporate setting to reflect on power dynamics, or hot seating in a primary classroom to explore character motivation. The key is being responsive: know your group, know your intention, and be willing to pivot when something unexpected (and valuable) emerges.

3️⃣ Let learning be a process, growth takes time!

Learning through drama is not linear. It involves layers: role-taking, reflection, risk, and emotional engagement. Sometimes the impact is immediate; other times it surfaces weeks later in a conversation, a question, a changed behaviour. We can enjoy the process and be curious to see where it will take our growth.

As I reflect on this years successful programme, what strikes me still is the relationship between me and Ouch Theatre. This collaboration is extra special because it began with a friendship: I met the founder of this programme, Dodo, during our MA at the The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2019. Now, years later, we work together regularly, advocating for the transformative potential of drama across continents.

In August, I’ve been invited as an expert trainer to Shanghai to deliver a 3-day in-person drama training with Ouch Theatre too. Excited to continue the journey, in person this time. ✨

#dramaeducation #creativeteaching #professionaldevelopment #interculturalexchange #artsineducation #lifelonglearning #teachertraining #dramaintheclassroom