It has been the journey of my life to explore how humans learn to listen to one another. What are we conveying when we are not speaking? How do we observe another's discomfort, anxiety, excitement? How can we listen from a deep place of receptivity that invites others into a brave space of true connection and exchange?
Theatre and the Art of Applied Listening
As an undergraduate student at Eastern Mennonite University, I was a double major in Theatre and Social Work. Both practices are, at their very core, a study of human behavior. I distinctly remember the day that I made that connection - I was in an acting class studying the Meisner Technique. The technique's focus is on teaching actors to be present with one another, listening without anticipating or forcing outcomes. I left that Meisner class and walked across campus to the social work department for my next class. That day, we practiced role-playing as social worker and client. In the middle of my role-play I realized that in many ways the seemingly disparate disciplines required surprisingly similar skills. As both a social worker and an actor I wondered: If actors around the world are being taught deep listening and behavioral engagement techniques that invite them to be more present listeners, couldn't those same practices apply to those in non-theatre settings? Without a doubt, yes.
My graduate studies allowed me explore Meisner and its application more deeply as I expanded my creative research. Over the years, I have developed this work into flexible offerings within a diverse array of environments. I have found it is applicable to social workers, medical workers, psychologists, mediators, clergy, educators, and more.
Below are some offerings available at varying levels and lengths. They can be rolled out in the form of workshops, intensives, or semester long courses. Reach out to me at kgstauffer@gmail.com for more information, and to discuss needs and possibilities for your organization or team.
Offerings
Applied Listening through Simulation Programming In the fields of social work, psychology, law, nursing, medicine, and beyond, there is benefit in having space to practice listening and engagement skills. We will collaborate to create listening exchanges and simulations for your organization or team that are tailored to your needs. For colleges and universities we can train theatre students in both Meisner and standardized participant protocols, and set up simulations with students in departments across campus who benefit from the opportunity to apply listening and engagement skills. This interdisciplinary model has been an effective, affordable, and sustainable way to provide real-life training in regulated settings. |
Listening and Presence In a world powered by social media and isolation, how do we learn to more deeply connect with other humans? How can we practice the art of deep listening from a place that is grounded in who we uniquely are? What happens when we examine our biases and practice engaging while setting aside our own agenda and assumptions? True listening validates and nurtures trust. This training is adapted from the Meisner Acting Technique. Using structured improvs that invite us to stay in the present, we are prevented from being able to think ahead. Our partner becomes our lifeline and we realize that it is through listening and observing them that we find our next steps together. |
A combination of these programs could include Meisner training, as well as simulation opportunities.
Offerings can take place in person or online.
Offerings can take place in person or online.