In the previous version of the “Ignorance is Bliss?”-Trilogy, I briefly discussed the basic questions that I get during informal get-togethers. This time I continue to attack the ignorance by dealing with the most frequently asked question of all time – and I will deal with this question head on. The most FAQ of all time is: “Is Industrial Theatre expensive?” Now, allow me to answer this question in a simple and effective way – no mess, no fuss. In order to understand the pricing of Industrial Theatre, one first needs to understand the context in which it is embedded. Industrial Theatre is, in its most basic form, a unique and different way of communicating. It has to its advantage a once-off impact on large audiences, giving everyone the exact same message (and experience) at the exact same time in the exact same way. Can a poster do that?

Moreover, it is not just any experience, it is an aesthetic experience. This means, it works on physical, emotional and cognitive level – emotional being the most significant where change is concerned. It touches people’s hearts like no charismatic manager or inspirational speaker can. It tells a story that everyone can understand, and with everyone, I mean everyone – old, young, bold, shy, black, white, lower skilled, special skilled, perfectly skilled, top management, tea lady, man, woman, - everyone. It gives one message to a diverse audience, unity in diversity if you will.

It tells the story of strategy, the story of ‘the bigger picture’- the story that top management so desperately tries to communicate on a continuous basis. This is the systems application part of Industrial Theatre – we try to tell the person that sometimes feels stuck in his/her cubicle, why their presence is important to the CEO and the company. Why they should really put their hearts into their jobs, why they should want to make a difference for the company, why they should want to be there and not just be there for the pay check at the end of the month, why they can be excited about change and the implications of the change, why they can be excited about what they do and proud of how they do it.

In light of the abovementioned context, I confidently put it to you: the price is a mindset more than anything else. It usually compares favourably with normal training costs – and this is without the fantastic entertainment value associated with the product. Rather ask: Is it expensive if it communicates in a way you can’t dream to, if it motivates and encourages the employees in a way you’ve been struggling to for a long time, if it assists in the transformation that is slowly but surely tapping the life from your organisation, if it assists in giving your company its life back? Industrial Theatre is only expensive if you think you can put a price on changing people. Can you?

I think it’s safe to conclude that in the end it’s all relative where price is concerned. It depends on where you are heading and what or who can get you there. If you are heading for change, then I can assure you that Industrial Theatre can certainly support all efforts to get you there safely and securely. So, in this world where change is the only constant, ensure that you not only arrive alive, but arrive in one mindset, with passion and enthusiasm! (And do me a favour: leave the ignorance at home!). Until the next version of “Ignorance is Bliss?” - have a super day!