From Stage to Team-Building: How Rachel Turns Performance into Playful Workshops

Rachel is one of Pop CoLab's Host Partners. She teaches performance-based workshops and classes stemming from her background in theatre and film.

"Play allows us to discover new ideas, find inspiration, and encourage imagination. Once you turn on the creative faucet, ideas flow." – Rachel E. Smith

Background and Inspiration

Can you share a bit about your background in theatre and film, and how it led you to creating these workshops?

Honestly, I could probably write an entire essay about how I got here but I will spare you the details. Here is the extremely basic version:

I started taking acting classes when I was 8 years old. Those classes were incredibly important to me growing up. My passion for the stage led me to get a BA Honours in Theatre & Film from the University of Winnipeg and then a MA in Theatre & Performance from the University of Manchester, UK. Throughout my time as a student, there were some teachers who stood out to me. Some became my mentors, who I still keep in touch with. I have always wanted to help other people the way my mentors helped me.

Since graduating in 2013, I have written, directed and acted in scripted and original work and produced a number of my own shows. During the pandemic, my focus shifted to film where I quickly adapted my theatre skills to a film medium. My artistic endeavours have been complimented by teaching since 2016 when I first began teaching acting classes. Even before that time I worked as a TA for numerous classes, learning how to help others to develop their skills.

At some point I realized that I could adapt my theatre training and my teaching experience to help people with public speaking. I have been able to help numerous people to deliver successful speeches and I hope to continue to help people. My current focus, as a teacher, is to help others to build their confidence, whether that is through a public speaking workshop or an acting class or some other idea that I haven’t come up with yet.

What inspired you to focus on performance-based workshops and drama games, especially for team-building and personal development?

Over the years, I have encountered numerous people who have told me how terrified they are of public speaking. This led me to explore how I can help people to overcome their fears. I have worked with people through different programs, but recently decided to open up my services to the public. I hope that I can help others to feel more confident, or at least, a little less scared when they find themselves delivering a speech.

Drama games are inherently team-building, so to me it seems an obvious tool to encourage connection. I think it could be a lot of fun for teams to come in to do something different, like drama exercises.

Workshop Structure and Style

Could you walk us through the typical structure of your drama-based workshops and how you keep participants engaged?

When I am designing a workshop, I usually begin with a typical outline. I will begin with an exercise designed to bring people out of their shells and introduce a basic concept. The exercises will then alternate between full group activities, small groups or pairs and independent exploration. These exercises will, of course, change depending on what the workshop focus is supposed to be. For example- if the workshop is specifically for teamwork, then I will have less (if any) independently focused exercises.

Keeping participants engaged is all about in-the-moment assessment. Drama workshops consist of exercises and games that are fun, but not everyone responds to the activities in the same way. For example- some groups love improv games, while other groups find them mortifying. I have been teaching classes and workshops long enough to be able to come up with changes to my lesson plan on the spot if necessary and I always have a list of backup activities at the ready.

Your workshops range from one to three hours. How do you tailor the length and intensity of each session to different groups?

I design workshops based on what a group is looking for. If they want an introductory lunch hour of fun, then I will design a short, one-hour workshop that is packed full of fun activities. If a group wants a 3-hour team building experience then I will organize a 3-hour workshop that balances short fun games with longer group activities.

Benefits and Outcomes

Many people feel self-conscious about performing in front of others. How do drama games help participants overcome inhibitions and build confidence?

Usually, the key to bringing people out of their shells is to remind them that everyone in the group is in the same boat. When explaining an exercise, I will sometimes do something really silly to show the group that it is okay to let loose, and to show them that I am completely okay with being the silliest one in the room. We do fun games together and with everyone participating, it helps most people to feel more comfortable letting loose.

What specific skills or insights do participants walk away with after completing your public speaking and presentation skills workshop?

My goal is for participants to walk away with an understanding of what makes someone an engaging speaker and what kinds of steps can be taken to become an engaging speaker. The workshop is meant to introduce these concepts and to introduce some exercises that participants can do to develop their skills. I will also provide some tips and tricks to overcoming stage fright.

Target Audience and Team-Building

What types of teams or groups benefit the most from your drama-focused sessions, and why?

Groups of people who are open and willing to try new things will benefit the most from drama-based workshops. I have seen many groups bond after doing workshops with them but the key to that success is being open to new experiences.

How do you adapt your workshop activities for groups that might include both seasoned performers and complete beginners?

Sometimes when working with groups, there is a person or a few people who have taken acting classes before or who have done performance work. I will often ask them to participate in the exercises with a fresh attitude so they can “play” along with the rest of the group. It is easier for someone who has experience to adapt their approach to exercises than it is for a beginner to leap to an advanced level.

Workshop Highlights and Success Stories

Do you have a favourite exercise or drama game that consistently energizes participants and fosters teamwork?

It is very hard to pick one because there are so many great games. I personally love when I have the time to lead groups in creating their own skits. This isn’t possible in all workshops because it takes time to lay the ground-work and takes time for the groups to develop something. But when there is time, I love seeing what different groups come up with. It’s amazing to see the different ideas and creativity at work.

Could you share a memorable success story or transformation you’ve witnessed from someone attending your workshop?

There was one workshop that I did with a group of individuals enrolled in a series of professional development courses. They knew each other but they weren’t really a team. My job was just to come in and teach them some basic acting techniques, over a two-hour workshop. Before the workshop began, a few people were talking, but mostly the people in the group were on their phones just waiting for the workshop to begin. Over the two hours I spent with them, I saw each of them break down their barriers, try new things and connect with each other. At the end of the workshop, I left time for questions. One of the students decided to comment, saying that they could see a lot of team building happening and that this workshop was the first time they actually felt like a connected group, everyone in the room agreed with them. Even though that wasn’t the intention of the workshop, the exercises inspired connection and that made me feel like it was a great success.

Practical Details

What should participants bring or prepare before attending, and how can they maximize their experience during the session?

For any drama workshops, participants should wear something comfortable that they can move around in and wear comfortable shoes. Skirts and high heels are not ideal, neither are tight dress pants or jackets. Jeans are fine, as long as they have some give to them.

For public speaking and presentation workshops, I would recommend bringing something that you can take notes in- a notebook or an easily accessible phone app. If you have a speech that you are going to be delivering then definitely bring that. Clothing/shoes that you can move in would also be beneficial.

Looking Ahead

Where do you see these drama and presentation workshops going in the future? Are there any exciting new developments or offerings on the horizon?

The public speaking and presentation skills workshops I am hoping to develop into something more long-term; maybe a series of workshops that build skills over time or a class. I also do one-on-one coaching with individuals on their upcoming speeches. Additionally, I’m planning to hold public speaking jam sessions in the future, where people can practice delivering a speech in front of a group.

In terms of the drama workshops, there are a lot of possibilities that I’m still exploring. I may be starting some acting classes for kids in the coming months and if there are adults interested, I can certainly put together some adult classes as well.

The Value of Play for AdultsMany adults often associate “play” with childhood. How do you encourage participants to overcome inhibitions and rediscover their playful side?

I have found that if I am high energy and playful then it inspires others to be the same. It often takes some coaxing, but soon the group is laughing and enjoying themselves. The key is to create an environment that gives people permission to play, be silly and explore. Insisting that no one is allowed to judge others or make fun of others in any way is really important. Once the group recognizes that it is okay to let loose then the fun really begins.   

What do you think are the biggest benefits of introducing play into an adult’s life, both personally and professionally?

Play allows us to discover new ideas, to find inspiration and encourage imagination. Play is just one way to be creative. I have seen people come up with amazing ideas during workshops. Once you turn on the creative faucet, the ideas are going to flow.

Check out Rachel's Workshops

Workshops, Group Activities, Games

Rachel E Smith

Actor, Director, Writer, Producer and Arts Educator 

celeeproductions.com |celee.productions@gmail.com |@celee.productions