"Phil gave us an ideal, physical after-lunch session. He elaborated on the concept of providing groups and individuals with metaphors through which a different understanding of issues and impacting factors might be gained.
Using physical metaphors, Phil managed to successfully bridge the gap between drama-based training and more conventional group work We were able to explore issues of trust, power, strength, vulnerability, flexibility, cohesion and team-ness.
I personally felt able to use these ideas as a way of exploring issues in senior teams (in particular) without having to worry about being in territory normally reserved for skilled actors.
Phil of course is familiar with the acting territory – having trained at RADA and worked with many actors on how to make fight scenes look convincing (he is also an aikido martial arts whizz) and he took us to that curious place where conventional training, acting and martial arts meet.
Thanks Phil – very enjoyable. I managed to keep my lunch down and it was also good to be a member of the winning 4-legged monster relay team!
Steve Ripley
Leading Edge Consultants
Phil has ably demonstrated that his approach to physical theatre can have a positive impact on both individuals and groups. People come away from his sessions reinvigorated and ‘reconnected’ to colleagues – and also to themselves. I strongly recommend him to any organisation."
"I first invited Phil Croskin to work with University students six years ago. I was immediately impressed by his professionalism, skill, patience, sensitivity, adaptability and good humour.
Here was a natural teacher who knew how to get the best out of students who differed widely in terms of confidence and ability. Students felt relaxed in his sessions primarily because they felt they could trust him. They came away having learned much that they could apply in stage or movie combat but also with a sense of personal confidence.
They also clearly enjoyed the session.
Since then I have employed Phil on a number of occasions.
I was particularly impressed by a session he took with young people with physical disabilities. Their positive response to him was largely due to his non-patronising approach. He adapted his methods to suit their needs and abilities. He has worked with ‘difficult’ teenagers many of whom have gained enormously in self esteem as a result of attending his sessions.
Stuart Olesker
Senior Lecturer
Creative Arts
University of Portsmouth