The Thiagi Playhouse

Thiagi's Playhouse division specializes in applying the principles and values of the theatre to organizational setting. Through the use of performance, improv, and storytelling techniques, we help our clients support individual and group performance in ways that both garner better results and create a better work environment. We help individuals communicate more effectively and authentically, collaborate more efficiently and positively, and innovate with passion and practicality.

Why Theatre?

What theatre professionals take for granted is the ability to integrate the creative input of many autonomous individuals in service of a single, unified product. They know how to inspire one another. They know how to give and receive feedback. They know how to adapt. They know how to stay positive in the face of adversity. They admire strong personalities and know how to harness and support them. As businesses recognize the value of collaboration and creativity in their organizations, they are turning, then, to theatre professionals to learn their secrets. In his acclaimed book, A Whole New Mind, Daniel Pink says, "What's in greatest demand today isn't analysis but synthesis—seeing the big picture, crossing boundaries, and being able to combine disparate pieces into an arresting new whole." To business professionals, this might, indeed, seem like developing a "whole new mind." To theatre artists, it's a daily given.

Why Improv?

Improvisers are a special breed of performer. They make up scenes, songs, stories, sometimes entire plays on-the-spot, collaboratively, with no script or pre-planning. In order to succeed at this daunting task, they have developed philosophies and techniques that can be applied to any environment in which individuals need to interact and cooperate with others. Face it, most of us are improvising our lives most of the time. Who wakes up to find a script for the day on the bedside table? Practicing improv creates more focused, engaged, aware, and bolder performers. As the world moves faster and becomes less and less predictable, good improv skills become a necessity.

And Storytelling?

Increasingly, organizations are recognizing the age-old power of story to instruct, inspire, and integrate learning. Stories are not just facts; they contain data and feelings and colors and metaphors and associations. They are the dynamic, robust way in which human beings communicate meaning. In fact, Jerome Breuner says, "Story IS meaning." It is through stories that individuals learn and cultures are created. Through exploring storytelling consciously, individuals can enhance their ability influence others, learn from their experience, and build a coherent, aligned community. And storytelling goes beyond simply "telling a story." The Thiagi Playhouse recognizes the dynamic nature of story: that a story has a teller and a listener, and that each side affects the other. Our work addresses the needs of both.