Why use Actors?

Role-plays are an integral part of many training, assessment and development programmes. Yet so often they are seen as a necessary evil rather than a unique opportunity to practice and experience, in a safe environment, some of the more challenging situations that staff face in their working lives. Using professional business actors maximises the effectiveness of role-plays in the following ways :-

Actors bring "reality"

When participants know that the person role-playing opposite them is a work colleague or a fellow course member it is impossible to create an authentic atmosphere. An actor can provide a convincing character, with a fully developed past, present and future, for them to practice with. This leaves course participants to concentrate on developing their skills without being distracted by the unreality of the role-play.

Not everyone enjoys acting

Very often staff become embarrassed and self-conscious when asked to role-play, or worse still, they can overplay a character, distracting participants and trainers alike. Staff may also feel uncomfortable role-playing with peers or superiors. Professional actors bring consistency and objectivity. We take care of the acting - the participant can just be themselves.

Actors keep the group focused

Course delegates can become very bored and restless sitting through rounds of low energy, unrealistic role-plays. Using actors keeps energy levels up, making scenarios interesting and stimulating to watch. The attention of delegates is, therefore, focused on what their colleagues are doing - boosting the learning potential of the whole group.

We deliver feedback

Our actors are trained to give specific constructive feedback. Participants have the unique opportunity of hearing how a character actually felt when they were dealt with by the participant. Feedback is linked to specific evidence from the events of the role-play. This highlights learning points that the trainer can then pull out and develop.

You can also find more information by visiting our main website at:
www.react.co.uk