Thespians help boost business presence at Theatre Royal Wakefield

Theatrical techniques are being used to coach business people in series of unique workshops being run at the Theatre Royal Wakefield.

Introduced by playwright John Godber, the latest Theatre of Business event used drama to help people from a range for organisations including local authority, legal and construction, to boost confidence and skills.

Organiser Barbara Paterson, a business advisor and coach, said: “The theme of this particular session was presence.

“Really, presence is about understanding who you are having confidence in yourself. It’s about being authentic.”

Theatre director Rhiannon Ellis and writer and choreographer Tina Shuker-Abel, who run a performance academy at the Theatre Royal, ran the workshop with two actors.

Mrs Paterson said: “I brought Tina and Rhiannon in to do similar things with business people. The first hour was about your attitude to your own body and voice.

“The two actors also talked about how they prepare themselves for a big performance.”

People who took part also acted out a workplace appraisal situation and practice speaking to a large group of people.

Mrs Paterson said: “It is a refreshing approach to addressing organisational and personal development in a way that is memorable and focused.”

Funds were raised for the Theatre Royal’s restoration fund at the event, which saw business people pay a £25 fee to take part.

Mrs Paterson said: “It is nice to give something back to the community and give them a development opportunity at the theatre.

“The whole idea is to encourage businesses to come to the theatre.”

The next Theatre of Business will be held on September 11, when the session will be based on the John Godber’s play Teechers.

People interested in attending can find out more by emailing Mrs Paterson at [email protected]