Greenlands Masterclass - Presence, Performance and Play: Inspiration from the Theatre Rehearsal Room - NEW
*Exclusive to Henley Partnership members*
In this masterclass, we will explore how we can utilise the skills of live performance to prepare ourselves for challenging and unpredictable situations.

How do I book?
This event is exclusive to members of The Henley Partnership.
To book please contact your HR or Learning and Development team at your organisation.
Unsure who to contact? Please do not hesitate to contact us at thp@henley.ac.uk
Description
In this masterclass, we will explore how we can utilise the skills of live performance to prepare ourselves for challenging and unpredictable situations.
We will start by investigating the illusive nature of presence. We often talk about great performers and leaders as having presence. But how can we cultivate and develop our own? We will use techniques from actor training to understand how we can ground and centre ourselves, utilising breath and posture to unlock an authentic and engaging voice and physical presence.
In the afternoon, we will embrace the concept of rehearsal. Working with an actor and director, we will role-play specific workplace scenarios that are currently presenting a challenge. Through rehearsal, we will practise our new-found presence and play out different approaches, tactics and settings for handling these difficult conversations.
Learning Outcomes
This session will help you to:
- learn exercises and techniques to improve vocal quality and posture, and cultivate presence
- increase your confidence when speaking, improvising and adapting to unpredictable situations
- rehearse and develop techniques for handling challenging conversations and workplace scenarios
Who this is for
For managers and leaders who want to increase their vocal and physical presence, would like to improve their ability to think on their feet and who want to prepare themselves for challenging and unpredictable conversations or situations.
Marcus Bazley

Marcus is a theatre director, facilitator and communication skills coach.
As a theatre director, his focus is on building collaborative teams and sharing a compelling story with energy, accessibility and simplicity. He has directed productions in some of the UK's leading theatres and delivered workshops around the world, from Hawaii to India. He has worked with Cheek By Jowl, the Barbican and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Marcus brings this experience of creating professional theatre to individuals and teams in business and education to help them deliver their best work. He runs workshops and coaching sessions to improve teamwork, presentation skills and confidence when speaking in public. As well as Henley, he has worked with some of the country’s leading academic institutions (King’s College London, UCL and Imperial College) and works with agencies within the WPP group, including PSB Insights and AxiCom.
Jeremy Drakes

Jeremy began his working life in Henley-on-Thames, as a trainee journalist on the local paper. After more than 20 years in newspapers, in roles ranging from reporter through to editor, he took a year’s career break to train professionally as an actor.
Since, he has pursued a portfolio career as, variously, a stage, screen and voice actor, with credits including roles on BBC One and Channel 4, as a corporate role player in the UK and internationally, and as a freelance journalist for national newspapers, including The Telegraph, The Mail on Sunday and The Times.
His corporate role-play work encompasses leadership, effective communication and managing cultural change. He has worked extensively with international humanitarian organisations, with several NHS trusts, with the London Fire Brigade and with private sector businesses, including BT.
*Up to 2 places per member organisation. All places are subject to availability at the time of booking.*
Contact us
The Henley Partnership
Talk to the team about membership - request a call or ask us a question at:
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