Experiential Training is nothing new, nor is the use of live actors for demonstration or role play. However, quite often, training companies and their clients consider these methods supplemental to more traditional techniques. Few focus their resources or programs in this area. More often than not, their emphasis is on the data—information to be dispersed—rather than the experience to be shared, or the best way to help participants retain what they are learning.
There is a more effective way to use actors in experiential training. Actors can be partners: training participants and co-facilitators. Improvised role play with skilled actors can have a profound and lasting effect on training participants—when employed to full advantage. Given a safe environment and adequate preparation, participants can explore new concepts and practice a variety of skills in realistic situations—rather than relying on rote memorization or imagined stereotypes. Retention is improved because the abstract is made tangible and observable in readily identifiable dialogue and behavior. Sense memory and emotional recall reinforce rational acquisition of new ideas.
If our goal is to change the behavior of an individual or a group, is there a better teacher than actual experience? Regardless of the amount of information we have about a particular skill, we gain insight and confidence with practice. Ultimately, don’t we learn best by doing? When we've slammed our thumb with a hammer often enough, we eventually learn how to drive a nail without pain or trauma. We may readily accept advice from others but, when push comes to shove, we have to work out success for ourselves. We find our own best way to strike the nail on its head.
Experiential training with live actors duplicates this learning process. In this rich, controlled experience, participants can test the feasibility of new ideas and methods without fear of reprisal for making “mistakes.” Unlike on-the-job training, potentially damaging consequences are minimized because the situations are only rehearsals for “real life.” There is immediate access to a comprehensive range of learning styles: auditory, visual, tactile and kinetic. Participants apply concepts learned in lecture and demonstration. They practice skills and discover nuances, choices and new possibilities. They do the work themselves and find their own solutions. They become the change they want to see. And, because learning is reinforced by sense memory and emotional recall, they have a much better chance at retaining the new skills they have acquired. (more) 
