Play first, reflect later. A few days, one place, and many roles to step into. During the R.I.S.E. training course in Vihi, Estonia, we explored LARP as a tool for empathy, critical thinking, and learning by doing. From energizers to full-scale role-playing games, the process was intense, playful, and reflective. Below you can find short feedback from our participants:
“Before the training, I expected to gain practical knowledge about how to facilitate LARP sessions and to develop a deeper understanding of how LARP can be used as an educational tool. I was particularly interested in learning how to structure a session so that participants feel engaged, supported, and confident throughout the experience.
I found the facilitation techniques especially interesting, particularly how a LARP can be guided from the initial onboarding phase through the gameplay and into a meaningful debriefing. Learning how improvisation methods can be integrated into LARP facilitation to support participant engagement and flexibility was also very valuable.
The key learnings for me were the importance of a strong onboarding process in LARP and how improvisation games can be used to build trust, creativity, and group dynamics. I also learned how these elements contribute to a safer and more effective learning environment.
I am already applying this new knowledge in my everyday work, particularly in group work settings with school groups. I plan to continue using LARP onboarding techniques and improvisation exercises to improve group cohesion, participation, and reflection during educational activities.
One moment I will especially remember was facilitating a LARP for the first time, from the preparation phase to the final debrief. It was exciting to take full responsibility for the process and to see how the participants responded. This experience gave me valuable insights and many points to reflect on for my future work.”
Anna
“I already knew role-playing games as a participant, but this time I wanted to understand what happens behind the scenes: how games are built, how facilitators prepare, and how learning actually emerges from play.
During the first days, we worked a lot with energizers and team-building games, which helped the group feel safe and connected. Later, we moved into creating and facilitating LARPs. In small teams, we received game scenarios and had one hour to prepare them before running the games ourselves. This process was intense but very realistic.
What stood out to me was how much experimentation was encouraged. After observing the games, we shared feedback, insights, and challenges. On the next day, we took one LARP as a base and redesigned it using what we had learned. This showed how learning is not linear, but built through testing, reflection, and change.
One of the strongest moments for me was the “Grand Hotel” game, where participants communicated only in their native languages. Even with language barriers, people managed to connect and solve problems together. It clearly demonstrated play can build empathy and awareness in a very natural way.”
Maryna
“The most interesting part was the combination of theory and practice, as well as the opportunity to express myself without fear of being judged, hear different perspectives and share experiences with other participants (mostly others were sharing their experience with me because it was my first training).
The key learnings for me were a clearer understanding of the main concepts, practical tools that can be applied in real situations, a deeper understanding of my emotions, and a more structured approach to problem-solving. I plan to use this learning in my daily work by applying the new methods and techniques to improve efficiency, communication, decision-making, and overall results.
A memorable moment I will cherish is the positive and supportive atmosphere during the training, particularly the open discussions and collaboration with the group. I loved how people were reacting to me participating in training for the first time. I could feel the support from the participants and facilitators, good energy, and desire to help if I have questions about any aspect of such trainings. I want to remember all the participants that I have interacted with during that time, because I tend to believe that people made my first experience unforgettable!“
Sander
“I had never dug deep into the topic of LARP, and that’s exactly why I decided to join the training course! Before the training course, I was curious about LARP and hoped to understand how it works and how it could be used in education, as I had no previous experience with it. Throughout the course, I found myself especially inspired by the facilitation techniques and methods the trainers used, which created a safe, engaging, and dynamic learning environment.
The key learnings for me were gaining a clearer understanding of what LARP really is, even trying out participating in it myself, and discovering facilitation tools that go far beyond LARP itself and can be applied to organizing and working with groups in general. I plan to use some LARP techniques as well as group engagement methods introduced by trainers and other participants in my daily work as well as when developing and leading my own projects.
What I will remember most is the experience of taking part in LARP myself for the first time, along with the warm atmosphere and genuine connections that formed between participants during the course. I was worried about not being able to come out of my comfort zone when it came to improvising and acting out in public, but the in-group climate supported any attempts, trials and errors and accepted differences in experiences and skills. Creating this type of atmosphere is what I strive to achieve in my own work!”
Lera