What’s included in the experience?

An immersive and fun 1-1.5 hour team building workshop where participants explore creativity and collaboration through shadow theater. Includes whole- and small- group activities to foster connection and culminates in a shared cinema-style showcase.

What is shadow theater?

Captivating shadows cast live onto a screen when a light source hits an object or objects from behind. These objects can be a character or scenery element created of card stock or balsa wood, or  the shadow of an actual person. A vivid, cinematic storyline—told through dialogue, narration, special effects, and sound—inspires and enhances the imagery on screen.

How do I book?

Three easy steps.
1. Contact me with your date and location within Bay Area. I can travel out of Bay Area for add’l fee.
2. Pay 50% deposit. (remainder due 2 weeks ahead of program).
3. Show up for your program. I take care of the rest.

What’s unique about your approach? What’s different from other art and creativity team-building workshops?

The magic happens quickly. As lights dim to allow the shadows to be visible on screen, team members swiftly step out of regular work mode and become creative partners in something new. Even a generic conference room transforms into a creative realm. 

The shadow theater screens create a safe space for creativity. Because many of the small-group activities take place behind them, team members enjoy a spontaneity without anyone feeling awkward or exposed—as can happen with group improv or group painting. 

It’s dynamic and fun on its own, without needing to be gamified—no teams competing against each other or the clock to hold participants’ interest. In fact, it’s inspiring and common to see in the story generation and rehearsal process animated team members absorbed in lively conversation and laughter. 

Distinctions between creatives and non-creatives, or extroverts and introverts, blur. Everyone has a meaningful role to play. It’s amazing how the experience draws out as yet untapped talents among team members--allowing them to see themselves and others in new ways.

Why shadows?

There is an immediacy to shadows that unlocks the imagination. They are weightless, appearing and disappearing with ease. Everyone has a shadow, and the medium itself is super easy to pick up—anyone can make beautiful, moving things happen on screen almost immediately. All this encourages exploration, risk-taking, creativity, and curiosity.

Shadows also reveal the essence of things: our 3D technicolor world distills to a striking black-and-white. There is a quality of line and movement that invites emotion. I like to say that shadow theater gives the imagination literal form in spotlighted shadows that animate the screen.

What is my team going to take away from the experience?

A powerful shared experience of creativity and exchange, releasing the routine or ordinary for something fresh, vivid, light, and inspiring. Teams take away a new rapport with fellow team members, along with a sense of accomplishment and play. With this creative team building workshop, no one is left with a painting or group mural that ends up behind the fridge in the break room.

For what kinds of teams does this experience work best?

For teams charged with highly creative, complex, collaborative work—and for teams that are organized both horizontally and vertically. The workshop is designed to move people out of their habitual, and often hierarchical roles, into a more collaborative and egalitarian space. Everyone has the opportunity to shine, and see themselves, teammates, and team leads in new ways. Integrate new members, celebrate a team accomplishment, or simply create more meaningful rapport and process.

Where does this experience take place? Can you come to us?

I can create team-building experiences for your team either on-site or off-site, as a stand alone activity or as part of a larger off-site or conference day. The Firelight™ experience can be a great kick-off, mid-day energizer, or end-of-day activity for your team, if you are wanting to make it part of a full-day event. I am available to travel outside of the Bay Area for an additional fee.

What kind of space can you work in?

Requirements include: a room where you can dim the lights, and with blinds or shades available if it’s a room flooded with natural daylight. It can be a room at your office, offsite, or conference center hotel.

What size team?

My programs can accommodate between 4-400 people! See program options for more details.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?

This is a turn-key service. Book and I take care of the rest. You can let your team know that they’ll be experiencing an art-inspired creativity workshop like no other, and one in which they’ll feel energized, safe, and delighted. If you’ve booked a workshop for Organizational Visioning, I’ll reach out to schedule of pre-session leadership kick-off call.

Can you customize a workshop for my team?

Yes. When you reach out to book, I’ll find out about your goals for the workshop, current evolution of your team culture and/or challenges your team is facing, and can offer suggestions and ideas. I believe in collaboration, and will work with you to make it tailored to you.

My team has never heard of shadow theater. Will they go for it?

Yes. it feels fresh (just familiar enough, and just fresh enough) to create genuine engagement and creativity, with no art experience or training needed. Folks love an opportunity to unplug and discover something new together. You’re not copying a painting, but rather making something new and fresh. Assure them they’ll be guided, with just the right amount of instruction, at every step along the way.