WORKSHOP FACILITATION PROCESS
Our core values: Everyone has the capacity to create art; art is necessary for individual and societal
growth, connection, and survival; art should be accessible to all.
Our process is guided by respect and a spirit of collaboration in which vulnerability, risk, and
improvisation lead to discovery. We make possible spaces in which the voices and visions of
incarcerated individuals can be expressed.
Elements of Facilitating a Workshop
1.) Openness to vulnerability, transparency, risk taking and collaboration by all
2.) Facilitators are participants in the group, not teachers of it
- More information on facilitators in the “workshop facilitators” section
3.) Work with participants to establish guidelines and norms
- The group can set its own rules and guidelines
- The facilitators do not bring in a list of rules to impose on the group
4.) Creating a safe space for artistic expression, sharing and dialogue
- This can be incorporated into rules, ie. only give constructive feedback
- “Talk Circle”
5.) Respect/establish/identify group culture and norms
- Decide on steps to take if a group member is not following culture and norms
- Make it clear that it is not
6.) Set standards for a constructive criticism model
- Define constructive criticism
- Define what it is not (as a group)
7.) Work towards some sort of culminating performance/play/reading/viewing/anthology
- What type of performance best suits your group?
- What is your timeline for the performance?
Workshop Facilitators…
1.) Commit to regular attendance and provide as much notice as possible in the case of other
conflict
- Hold facilitators and workshop members to the same standards
- Always give a reason if you are going to miss
- Always ask for a reason if a participant is going to miss
2.) Maintain the workshop’s safe space
- If a lot of negative energy is brought into the space, take time to discuss what is
going on
- Try to discuss things as a group, but if you need to have a one on one conversation,
be discreet and understanding
3.) Always bring energy and enthusiasm
- Have back up plans to engage participants
- Be flexible if what you planned does not suit the mood of the group
4.) Moderate respect for time, flow, and fairness
- Does one person dominate the space? Are all opinions heard?
- Is the group using the time to prepare for the performance?
5.) Model giving meaningful feedback
- Be careful not to slip into a “director” or “teacher” role
- Do not withhold your own opinions, insight and ideas
6.) Honor and develop group culture
7.) Come Prepared
- Communicate with your partner about materials
- Divide work equally between partners
- Get permission ahead of time from your liaison if you are bringing anything
unusual to the workshop (anything beyond pens/paper/notepads/scene lists)