An arts organisation in the north east of Scotland is helping people face their phobias and improve public speaking skills in the workplace – by teaching them acting skills.
Aberdeen Arts Centre’s Drama Toolbox was set up a year ago to provide an outlet for adults aged 18+ to access fun and friendly drama classes in a relaxed environment.
But one of the largest unexpected benefits to participants has been to help them in their careers.
Public speaking is in the UK’s top three biggest phobias according to a 2023 YouGov study – with a 2025 survey by Preply discovering that one in five adults avoid any occasion that calls for them to appear in front of a crowd.
Alexandra Munro (34), a sales associate at Sketchers, joined Drama Toolbox and said that the sessions have had a clear positive impact on her life.
“Taking part in Drama Toolbox has impacted my life by making me feel happier and more confident,” she said.
“I’m now talking more openly with my colleagues and customers at work, and at my other voluntary job.
Carlotta Schwertel (30), studying for a professional doctorate in health psychology, has had a similar experience of the weekly drama sessions.
She explained: “I’ve been enjoying the sessions a lot. It's a great opportunity to learn new skills and feel comfortable in my own skin.
“I feel more comfortable in public speaking now, and I even ended up getting a small part in a student short film!”
A study by Stanford University highlighted that a massive 85% of people feel anxiety when giving a presentation. And according to the Preply survey, forgetting words is the number one reason for anxiety around public speaking.
Leah Christie, creative learning lead at Aberdeen Arts Centre, said: “Standing up in front of a group of people can seem scary at first, but with a little help and encouragement it gets a lot easier.
“At Drama Toolbox we work on a variety of acting skills, including working from scripts and improvising. Both of these are really useful in public speaking, and can help combat that fear of forgetting words – either by ensuring you don’t forget them, or helping you get out of a jam if you do!”
The sessions aren’t an employability workshop, though. Participants learn a variety of acting disciplines including script work, devising and improvisation – with attention paid to movement, vocal technique, and building a connection.
The sessions allow adults in Aberdeen to learn new ways to express themselves, and enjoy the process of creating something new with likeminded individuals.
Carlotta said: “Drama Toolbox gives me a chance to get out of the busy chaos of life and just 'be'. I loved the improvising portion of the course, as I really enjoyed being creative and coming up with new ideas on the spot!
Alexandra added: “I have honestly loved every session that I have been part of. The most important things I have learned are that’s it’s okay to sit and observe how something is done before having a go, and that it’s okay for things not to make sense or seem a bit daft!”
“I would encourage anyone to sign up because it is really useful for a better understanding of how drama and acting works… and it is a lot of fun!”
A new term of Drama Toolbox sessions begins on Wednesday, April 15 at 7.30pm. Individuals interested in learning more – or signing up – can do so at https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/creative-learning/drama-toolbox.
Aberdeen Arts Centre is an independent arts venue in the heart of Aberdeen, operated by registered charity Castlegate Arts Ltd for over a quarter of a century.
For more than 60 years, Aberdeen Arts Centre has played a crucial role in the north east’s vibrant arts scene through its programme of performances, Creative Learning Programme for children and adults, and an Artist Development Programme to support local professional creatives.
In May 2025, the centre launched the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign – a three-year fundraising drive to secure its future. Individuals and corporate sponsors can find out more and donate at https://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/save-aberdeen-arts-centre.
Aberdeen Arts Centre encompasses a 350-seater auditorium; café bar; flexible spaces for performances, events, exhibitions and meetings; and the Children’s Theatre, opened by Catherine Hollingworth in the 1950s as a pioneering youth theatre (the first of its kind in the UK) and now used as a vital resource for professional artist development.
For more information, visit www.aberdeenartscentre.com or follow Aberdeen Arts Centre on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @AberdeenArtsCentre.