Training

A collaborative effort between artists specialized in diverse performing arts disciplines and mental health experts resulted in the development of an innovative educational-artistic methodology. This methodology utilizes a variety of performing arts forms, including theatre, dance and choreography, and voice, with the aim of fostering the development of transversal skills among adults facing severe and prolonged mental illness.
It uses different forms of art to make the learning process an interactive, immersive and passionate experience.

StaGe of Mind training program The StaGe of Mind training program recognizes the transformative power of art as a means to create, express and learn. All activities and exercises within the program have been thoughtfully designed to enhance specific cognitive skills and transversal competencies:

Creativity and imagination

Memory and concentration

Literacy (comprehend and assess information, construct meaning)

Communication (convey ideas and concepts, adjust message according to audience)

Body awareness and corporal expression

Physical fitness (improve coordination, increase strength, and flexibility)

The training program is divided into various sections, each corresponding to one arts discipline. It focuses on both, artistic production objectives and development of afore-mentioned transversal skills. The specific units will be:

1. Introduction
2. Original playwriting
3. Script comprehension and memorizing
4. Acting fundamentals (character building, objectives, tactics)
5. Voice and diction
6. Exploring sensory perceptions through movement
7. Dance as a narrative tool.
8. Music / Performance
9. Stage set design and production
10. Costume design for performance

The training materials are available in three languages: English, Greek and Spanish.

English
Greek
Spanish

In addition, pedagogical tests were conducted in Spain, Greece and Ireland to evaluate the developed training programme. The entire process was closely monitored, gathering feedback from participants, trainers and mental health professionals involved in the activities. Feedback was collected periodically using dedicated questionnaires, forms, interviews and focus groups. The collected data was then analysed by project partners, resulting in the development of two comprehensive reports:

-A participant-based evaluation report, primarily focusing on the feedback provided by the participants.

-An integral report, primarily focusing on the feedback from trainers and mental health professionals.

These reports played a crucial role in upgrading the training program, ensuring that it incorporates the valuable insights gained from the feedback received.