Conflict Theatre

Conflict Theatre offers faculty and staff the opportunity to explore and embrace conflict in the workplace using the tools of theatre. 

Learn to see workplace conflict differently

Can you remember the last difficult conversation you had? If you had another chance, would you have said or done something else?

Tailored to the UBC context, Conflict Theatre offers a new way to look at old patterns and build the courage to approach workplace conflict differently.

The Conflict Theatre approach

Recognizes that workplace conflict is normal

Difficult conversations are commonplace in the office. It may arise due to contrasting perspectives or competing needs. Workplace conflict can be very damaging for employees and the organization alike. Conflict negatively effects employee wellbeing, retention, creativity, and productivity. While it is uncomfortable to experience interpersonal conflict, it becomes even more uncomfortable when avoided. Hence why Conflict Theatre encourages direct engagement with conflict through open, non-violent dialogue.

Grounds programming in Reflexive Conflict Management

Reflexive Conflict Management (RCM) is an approach to resolving interpersonal conflict. It was developed at UBC by Dr. Tom Scholte, Conflict Theatre's Faculty Lead. This approach is reflexive because it hinges on one's ability to examine their own emotions and motivations. These factors influence how we act in conflict situations. RCM emphasizes communicating one's needs with clarity and avoiding emotional escalation. This helps all parties involved in the conflict to identify potential solutions for its resolution.

Explores conflict engagement through theatre

Conflict Theatre programming offers a unique opportunity to rehearse this novel approach to conflict engagement. It does so by turning to the tools and techniques of theatre. Improvisational theatre and scripted plays can mimic real world conflicts and reveal the complexities of human relationships. Drama offers a playground for practicing the skills of conflict engagement in a safe, low stakes setting. This approach is experiential, immersive, and fun!

Engaging in Conflict Theatre programming requires no prior experience or background in theatre. Instead, individuals can participate in a way that feels most authentic and comfortable to them.

Promotes key learning goals

UBC staff and faculty who participate in or attend a Conflict Theatre event will:

• Strengthen empathy and understanding for many perspectives within conflict.
• Foster a curiosity-driven approach to conflict
  Self-reflect to better understand their own emotions, context, perspective and patterns during conflict.
• Gain a better understanding of how conflict arises, what keeps it going, and how it can be moved through.
• Become attuned to the systemic drivers of conflict and the leverage points available to address them.
• Join a community of colleagues interested in changing campus culture on conflict.

Types of Conflict Theatre events

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event type

Community Lunch and Learn Sessions

The Community Lunch and Learn series brings together the UBC staff and faculty community. Participants will practice the navigation of workplace conflicts using the tools of RCM. This approach is experiential and embodied, so come prepared to engage.

These sessions are informal. You are invited to bring your lunch, but light refreshments are also provided. Registration is required as space is limited.

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Event type

Forum Theatre Performances

The Performance series brings Conflict Theatre to the stage. Drawing on the practice of forum theatre, UBC staff and faculty have developed plays based on workplace conflicts experienced at the university. These plays are performed to an audience comprised of other employees. Audience members contemplate how the characters in the play could act differently by integrating what they have learned about RCM. The audience can then attempt to shift the outcomes of the plays through direct intervention.

The 2023 - 2024 Conflict Theatre season

This 2023-2024 academic year, we encourage you to build your knowledge and skills in conflict engagement through our various events. Registration is required. 

Program testimonials

“Prior to the workshop I avoided conflict and often regretted my in-the-moment responses. The Summer Intensive prepared me to handle conflict directly, less emotionally and focus on de-escalation. I started leveraging my newfound skills immediately after completing the intensive, leading to less anxiety and more satisfaction with my approach to conflict resolution."

– Matt, M&P, Rehearsing Conflict Summer Intensive participant, June 2023

“Being able to communicate more effectively and authentically is a noble goal and one that should be pursued by anyone and everyone at UBC.”

– Alexis, Faculty, Rehearsing Conflict Summer Intensive participant, June 2023

“I noticed myself being more compassionate and generous towards those who may be instigators of conflict, because I had a better understanding of their motivations. This has made me more curious and open to looking deeply at conflict and finding ways to work with it. I'd recommend this to all employees interested in learning how to adapt in situations of challenge.”

– Anonymous, M&P, Rehearsing Conflict Summer Intensive participant, June 2023​​​​

"The live event and plays offered an experiential, visceral experience. What was surfaced still lingers in my thoughts. Just sitting in the audience and not getting on stage surfaced a lot of insight."

– Anonymous, Capstone Performance audience member, June 2023

Stay up-to-date

To stay informed about all things Conflict Theatre, subscribe to our mailing list via the button below. Subscribers to the monthly "Playbill" newsletter receive event reminders, featurettes, and more!

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For more information about our program and opportunities, please email conflict.theatre@ubc.ca

Conflict Theatre is an initiative of UBC's Human Resources department in collaboration with the Equity and Inclusion Office and the Department of Theatre and Film.