toBE – training and executive coaching with Emotional Intelligence (EQ), experiential training methods, high impact development programmes; using actors, Forum Theatre, Role Play to get you, your team, your organisation to perform optimal, with the best f

Petra Costigan-Oorthuijs

Petra Costigan-Oorthuijs applies the wisdom, techniques and insights from the world of theatre Performance to Business, Health and Education. She is a highly sought after Executive Coach for Leaders in Senior and Governance roles and others who need to develop the impact, influence and authenticity of themselves, their teams and their organisation.

Petra is an experienced EQ (emotional intelligence) assessor and uses, where fitting, this extremely insightful instrument for successful Leadership Development and in particular geared towards high performance of the Governing Team in organisations.

In 2000 she founded toBE, Ireland’s first theatre-based learning company. The company uniquely delivers training and learning events using the principles of theatre and techniques of theatre performers. These interventions help organisations and their people to tackle and overcome obstacles so immediate and creative growth occurs.

A qualified Nurse Manager and Applied-Theatre teacher, she is not only a successful entrepreneur and business coach, but also a health practitioner and educator. She delivers Programmes for the IMI and its broad client base. She is part of the team who designed and delivers the world’s only work-based Masters Degree in Leadership in Napier University, Edinburgh. She lectures in Letterkenny IT on their Leadership and Innovation Programme. She works together with Southside Partnership using Forum Theatre in Primary Schools to raise awareness of Restorative Practice in conflict handling.

This unique mix of expertise in Business, Education, Health and the Arts all come together in her sole passion and focus: to bring out the best in those she works with.

Petra has been on the Consultative Panel for NESDO’s Futures-Ireland project; she chairs Kildare’s Steering Committee on Arts in Health. She is director of KAIC whose aim is to match-make Arts In Context projects with available funds. In 2009/2010 she produced Ireland’s first tour of integrated theatre company In Our Shoes theatre production ‘You Wish’. The company integrates peoples with intellectual disability in professional theatre. The cast & crew of over 30 people successfully delivered this production in Kildare’s main venues, and was asked to perform in various festivals in Ireland following raving reviews.

On the Conference circuit Petra’s presentation with or without actors is a welcome interactive sample of the immediate impact theatre-based learning provides. Audiences ranging from 50 to 2000 have been moved – literally!

For the Customers and Associates Petra work with, click here;

If you would like to get in touch with Petra, please click here.