Workshops & Facilitation

“Megan Monafu was excellent facilitator with new skills to share and so much community experience. I have already used some of her techniques in my work.”

-Community Development Network retreat participant

I like to work to make artistic exploration accessible to many different people. This kind of work builds community, creates new dialogue, teaches creative expression, and provides people with an avenue to increase confidence and communication skills.

I specialize in creating workshops for people who may be on the margins of a traditional classroom or work setting. Some folks that I have worked with include adults and children with developmental disabilities, adults with mental health issues, children and youth on the autism spectrum, seniors, seniors with dementia, and street-involved groups.

I have trained in Theatre of the Oppressed, including Joker/Facilitator training for Forum Theatre. Boal’s Image Theatre and other exercises are often integrated in my work.

Here is a sample of workshops and classes I have led:

  • Co-creation of the Creative Well Theatre Project with Branch Out Theatre, working with people with mental health issues in creating a play about the mental health system, which toured Ottawa in spring 2016; OAC funding was received for a second year of the program, October 2016 – May 2017
  • Community Development Network of Ottawa professional development retreat, June 2016
  • Creation and facilitation of an acting troupe at Ottawa Salus, a mental health housing organization, February 2013 to June 2015
  • “HUB & Spoke: Intersection of Arts” networking event at HUB Ottawa, February 2015
  • “I Can Pretend!” and “I Can Pretend, Too!”, classes for children with ASD, at the Ottawa Children’s Theatre, 2014 to 2015
  • Play creation workshops for the Tamir Foundation’s Neshama Choir, July to December 2014
  • “Forum Theatre: Rehearse for Revolution!” Workshop for the Cracks Festival, November 2014
  • Theatre Creation summer camps, Just Kiddin’ Theatre, July 2013
  • Intermediate and Senior Musical Theatre classes, Orleans Young Players Theatre School, 2011 to 2013
  • “Our Stories” with the Carlington Glee Club and with Good Companions Seniors Centre, Ottawa School of Speech and Drama, 2011 to 2012
  • Creative Expressions group, Centre 454, 2011 to 2012

Feedback from the Community Development Network professional development retreat, June 2016:

“Favourite retreat ever”

“Theatre approach different and useful”

“Brought issues to light over our workplan”

“Peaceful and playful. Got to connect with the team. Welcoming and safe space.”