Process Drama

Process Drama is an experiential form of drama in which the participants create meanings for themselves through the process of experiencing the characters of the drama, rather than acting out a solution for an audience. Both the participants and facilitator often step in and out of roles to empathise with the characters and reflect on their real lives.

Originating from education where drama is practiced as a learning medium, Process Drama is now widely applied from inside the classroom to workplace training. Through the process of using dramatic elements which often incorporate feelings of the whole body, a more comprehensive and holistic empathisation process leads to substantial transformation of participating individuals.

Organisations increasingly adapt this technique to encourage their members to “walk in someone else’s shoes” and experience selected events or controversial topics. During the Process Drama workshop, participants may be invited to take up roles from a fictional story or real life event. They may pose a still image, express a thought verbally, create a short scene, or improvise as a group. Props such as writing tools may sometimes be used.