Our approach and methodology


Pearlcatchers recognise that every individual, team and business is different, so rather than offering packaged products, we specialise in creating tailored programmes for our customers. We are able to call upon a wide range of development techniques and methodologies – from the traditional to the innovative.

We firmly believe that people learn best by doing, so our approach is firmly rooted in the concept of experiential learning.


We use experiential learning because:

  • It is learning by doing, which is how we naturally learn best
  • It is safe and supportive, allowing individuals to try out new skills
  • It appeals to different learning styles
  • It includes a range of activities from interactive games and role play to projects and distance learning
  • It makes learning fun – and therefore, memorable


It has long been recognised that practical experience is the best way to embed learning. Historically though, this often took the form of laborious exercises dealing with real life examples. Nowadays however, experiential learning is demonstrating that training activities needn’t be boring to get the job done. In fact, delegates are far more likely to absorb information if the subject matter is new and interesting to them.


Once confined to the realms of creativity and teambuilding, the concept of an arts-based approach to learning has been growing both in terms of popularity and the range of topics covered. Drama-based learning initially focussed on using theatrical techniques to support the development of soft skills, such as communication and public speaking.


However, with our background in both the theatre and business worlds, Pearlcatchers Ltd are able to combine business experience with innovation to create training solutions in all areas of development from change management to customer service, leadership development to forecasting and planning


Using professional actors and a mixture of tailored scripts and improvised live action based on delegates’ experiences and suggestions, these techniques allow delegates to try out new ideas and concepts in a safe environment. It also gives them the opportunity to see ‘real time’ the impact of their actions and offers them the benefit of hindsight, as they are able to replay situations again and again.


A debrief and review session will ensure that participants can translate the experience into practical value and recognise how drama-based learning can fit into wider training and development programmes.


We consider that there is no perfect framework or technique for every person, organisation or situation. Therefore our style focuses on introducing models and giving you the opportunity to experiment with them in relation to your circumstances and build up a toolkit of techniques.


Unlike many drama training companies, drama is merely one of a selection of techniques that we blend together to form personalised training solutions. All our employees (actors and consultants) have solid business experience combined with creative flair, which results in both memorable and effective development events.


Our services include:

  • Using art and design to aid teambuilding and creativity
  • Using development centres, distance learning, workbooks and coaches to manage ongoing development programmes
  • Using poetry and visualisation to assist leaders in creating compelling visions
  • Using theatrical techniques to aid personal presence and confidence by utilising your voice and body as      essential tools in influencing
  • Using 360 feedback questionnaires, reports and learning sets to formulate and work through personal   development plans
  • Using forum theatre and drama to provide a safe environment for delegates to try out and see the effects ‘real time’ of different approaches
  • Using business simulations to enable delegates to try out new skills and knowledge on a situation that mirrors    their own organisation
  • Using interactive games to make training sessions more interactive and interesting
  • Using music, singing and dance to energise groups
  • Using visualisation to help create a vision of the future
  • Using activities that involve the entire mind and body and so accelerate learning
  • Using icebreakers and energisers to get delegates talking and raise energy levels


Pearlcatchers Ltd have designed a range of services that use these and many other techniques. Based around some of the key issues in business today, most of the activities can be tailored to suit your needs or be incorporated into part of a larger training programme.