Theatreworks: training for business
Theatreworks is the National Theatre’s communication skills training for professionals.
Our team of actors and directors will help you improve your presentations, develop your interpersonal skills and build your confidence. Using techniques borrowed from the world of theatre, you will learn how you can use your voice and body language to step confidently into the spotlight.
Theatreworks training is entirely practical: whether you need help with public speaking or having a challenging conversation, our hands-on approach gives you a safe place to practise new skills. Read on to find out how we can help you and your business.
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For organisations
Whether you’re looking to take your team’s pitches to the next level or sharpen their leadership skills, our bespoke programme is for you. We can tailor our core programmes to your team’s needs or design a bespoke training session or programme.
Our training can take place in-person either at:
- the National Theatre on London’s South Bank
- your own venue
- online
We offer full-day courses, short sessions and masterclasses as well as individual coaching. Choose from a range of topics from presenting with impact and storytelling to how to have difficult conversations and give feedback.
Talk to us to see how we can meet your objectives – we’d love to discuss how we can work together.
Our corporate memberships
Flexible packages for members to enjoy, including priority booking, private dining and access to our private members’ bar.
For individuals
Our open courses take place in person at the National Theatre on the South Bank. We have two core programmes which can be taken separately or as a pair. Each course is £440 per delegate. Book both courses and receive a 10% discount. We also offer discounted places to charities, the NHS and government employees. 81% of attendees rated Theatreworks open courses ‘excellent’.
Personal Impact
This course gives you the tools to present confidently in front of an audience and to control your nerves.
Influence and Rapport
This course helps you to understand different communication styles, and teaches how you can use them to improve your professional performance.
1:1 training
Need something different? We also offer 1:1 bespoke coaching for individuals. Whether you’re looking to hone an important speech or refine your personal work style, our coaching can help you achieve your best.
Just get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.
My impression of Theatreworks
Hear from one of our clients about their first impression of the Theatreworks programme – and how it grew their confidence.
What clients say:
The team found the onstage approach offered a unique perspective and the training really pushed them outside of their comfort zones while also providing a safe, motivational space for them to put their new skills into practice.
– Nicola
Learning & Development Manager at Penguin Random House
Brilliant way to understand and improve your communication style. Broadens your mind, explores your body, builds your confidence.
– Kat
Circle Health
One of the most scary and most rewarding courses.
– Chaka
Stonewall
Meet our facilitators
Tom Anderson
Tom is a theatre and TV actor who has been part of the companies at the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare’s Globe.
Kate Beales
Kate is a director and longstanding National Theatre Learning Associate.
Joanna Burnett
Joanna is an actor working in TV, film and theatre.
Didi Hopkins
Didi is an actor, theatre director and specialist in Commedia dell’Arte.
Gillian King
Gillian is an actor and director who has worked for the National Theatre, the RSC, Drama Studio London and regional theatres. Her work is diverse; ranging from directing in the West End to running workshops for those on life sentences in prisons.
Debbie Korley
Debbie is an actor who has worked extensively in a variety of theatres both in the UK and internationally.
Corinne Micallef
Corinne works extensively as a theatre director, facilitator and coach in the UK and internationally.
Clare Murphy
Clare is an international storyteller.
Al Nedjari
Al has been an actor for over 25 years.
Adam Russ
Adam is a writer and executive coach who was an actor for twenty years, with roles in Eastenders, Holby City and Murphy’s Law.
Sarah Thom
Sarah trained with Jacques Lecoq in Paris and works regularly as an actor in television, theatre and radio, where she is a recipient of the BBC Radio Drama Norman Beaton Fellowship.
Contact us
Sheila Chawla
Theatreworks Programme Manager
Cara Vaitilingam
Programme Coordinator
You can contact the Theatreworks team on theatreworks@nationaltheatre.org.uk
Photos © Emma Hare
Theatreworks 2023
Further reading
My unexpected path to becoming a Theatreworks facilitator
Read about our expert facilitator Adam Russ’ journey into Theatreworks, and about how the world of theatre can unlock confidence and authenticity in participants.
Even coaches need coaches: preparing for TEDx with Theatreworks
Read how science and communications champion, Jo Browning, turned to Theatreworks when she had to prepare a nine-minute presentation at TEDx.
Budgeting for 'soft skills'
Discover why ‘soft skills’ are so important in business, and how programmes like Theatreworks can help develop them for you and your time.