Stages of Empathy: A Free Theatre-Based Training for Inclusive Community Activities

MIECAT is thrilled to host Stages of Empathy, an interactive workshop exploring the challenges and opportunities for working in community, organisations and workplaces when working with diverse groups.

Rebus Theatre is a Canberra based award winning mixed ability company using theatre for social change. Stages of Empathy is their newest project, a transformative, interactive training program designed to help people, communities and organisations become more accessible for autistic people and people with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities.

A non-profit organisation, Rebus uses theatre and other arts as tools for social change, promoting inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility for all. Rebus Theatre's unique approach to theatre creates opportunities for people with disabilities, and those from other marginalised communities, to showcase their talents, share their stories, and connect with audiences.

Based on the work of Augusto's Boal Theatre of the Oppressed (Forum Theatre), participants explore real-life accessibility challenges through role-play and facilitated discussion. Actors with lived experience perform scenarios based on community consultations, and trainees are invited to step into the action—interrupting the play to change the story in an inclusive way. This hands-on approach bridges the gap between policy and practice, sparking meaningful dialogue and lasting change.

The two-hour session includes:

• A short performance by actors with lived experience

• Interactive audience engagement to rehearse inclusive solutions

• Facilitated discussion to turn insights into actionable plans

• A resource handout packed with strategies to drive inclusion

Each session runs for two hours and includes a short performance, interactive audience engagement, and a takeaway resource pack filled with actionable ideas.

Participants will engage with actors who have lived experience of disability, exploring scenarios based on real community consultations. Through role-play and facilitated discussion, we will discover strategies to support communication, participation, and inclusion.