Rediscover the Play in Life

Connect with your creativity, purpose, and sense of aliveness in this unique workshop that blends actor-training techniques with Haven concepts of connection and relationship.

Act Natural is based on our belief that access to one’s unique emotional life and authentic energy is the richest foundation for creativity, honest expression, and passionate living – onstage and off. Accessing these inner resources can be inhibited by physical tension and limiting beliefs developed over a lifetime that can compromise our ability to fully connect and communicate. The Act Natural process includes actor-training and body-centered experiences to explore self-expression and the ways we hold ourselves back. Scene work, improv, movement, and storytelling offer opportunities for freer expression, renewed energy, and confidence in any endeavor.  And, let us not forget, an abundance of fun!

People who lead, teach, facilitate groups, or engage in public speaking find this program especially helpful in enhancing their skills and minimizing performance anxiety. Individuals enjoy personal growth and transformation in a fun and unique way. Couples find renewed connection and co-creativity as they grow together in an environment that encourages openness, curiosity, and freer self-expression.

This program is all about process, imagination, and tapping into your sense of play. Absolutely no prior acting experience is necessary! There is no final performance, but rather an exploration of expression in its many forms, what it means to be present, and trusting your creative instincts.

“One of the deepest, most impactful programs I’ve ever done. I deepened my relationship with myself and the others in the group through acting, laughter, dancing, playing and reconnecting with my inner child. I HIGHLY recommend this program!”

Participant- Shana J.

In Act Natural, you will:

• Enhance focus, presence, and confidence
• Connect to yourself and others with clarity and compassion
• Identify obstacles that block creativity and self-expression
• Tap into your inner resources in aid of communication, connection, and effective engagement
• Experience the fun of creative collaboration and storytelling

“Jane and Sarah are masterful in their presentation and facilitation of this fabulous workshop! Amazing how much information and how many experiences they were able to fit into the few days. Their expertise, energy, love of the material, wonderful humour, ability to connect, the fun they have presenting, the integration/base of Haven philosophy, the relationship they have, all add up to a GREAT workshop.  It goes back on my ‘to do’ list!”   

Participant – J Cimbalo

Read more about how this program was created here.

Investment:

Our Earlybird tuition price of $775 is available to those registered up to one month prior to the program start.  Regular tuition is $835.  Full payment is due one month before the program start date regardless of tuition price.

We are offering private and shared room options.

You can find our cancellation policy here

Schedule:

Your program begins with dinner at 6pm and your first session at 7:30pm

Daily schedule:

• Breakfast 8:00 – 9:00am
• Morning session 9:15am to noon
• Lunch noon to 1:00pm
• Afternoon session 3:00 – 6:00pm
• Dinner 6:00 – 7:00pm
• Evening session 7:30 – 9:00pm

Your program finishes with lunch on the last day.

Transportation:

If you are travelling to Gabriola as a foot passenger on the Gabriola Ferry a shuttle to The Haven can be requested.  Information on this option will be included in your pre-arrival email.

Admission requirements: The student must have the desire and ability to learn.  Must demonstrate a capacity for responsible self care, responsible self organization and sound mental health.  The student must understand and speak English.

This program does not require approval by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.  As such, the registrar did not review this program. What does this mean? Click here to learn more.