Harnessing the power of theatre for your organisation

The Abbey Theatre has been offering Theatre Skills for Business workshops for more than 10 years. These workshops and individual coaching sessions are based on what the Abbey knows best, performance and communicating a message.

Many of the skills and techniques that are key for actors can be hugely beneficial to people working outside of theatre. Actors train their voices and bodies so that they can communicate with ease and clarity. They learn how to adjust their delivery to fill large and small spaces, to deliver simple and complex messages with emotion, energy, and authenticity, to lift the words off the page and breathe life into them.

Our approach

We coach our business clients using the same theatre techniques. We can work with you on how you stand, how you take space, how you breathe, and speak as you tell your stories. We will also help you clarify your objectives and to refine your message to become more concise and impactful.

Our specialist teachers

Andrea Ainsworth is the voice director at the Abbey Theatre and the core of her work is preparing the actors for performance on the stages. Andrea coaches actors, at all stages of their professional careers on voice and text.

Phil Kingston was an actor for many years and is also a skilled writer and storyteller. He specialises in team building, networking, and storytelling workshops.

Gillian McCarthy is an actress and theatre facilitator with over 20 years’ experience. As a theatre facilitator and teacher, she was worked with organisations such as Deloitte, Glandore, Smurfit Business School, and the HSE.

Range of options

Theatre Skills for Business offers a variety of different supports, depending on your needs.

Presenting with Impact explores how to use drama techniques to find a style that suits you and allows you to get your message across to colleagues, clients, and groups. Women Take Centre Stage is specifically tailored to work with women on their personal communication style, with the goal of building confidence and developing a stronger personal brand. Power Of Storytelling will allow you to use stories and creativity to draw your audience into your message.

Participant testimonial

“In a world of slides, laptops, and back-to-back meetings, the workshop was a genuine breath of fresh air. Through storytelling, presence, voice, and improvisation, we explored practical skills that translate directly to our daily roles.

“The Abbey’s team encouraged us all to step outside our comfort zones, be fully present, and learn by doing. It was a real refresher for everyone involved, leaving us with new techniques, renewed confidence, and plenty to talk about afterwards.”

E: joanne.pollard@abbeytheatre.ie
W: abbeytheatre.ie