Acting/role play stations

An applicant interacts with an actor, and there is an observer in the room.

For example, “You are roommates with Alex. She hasn’t done her share of dishes in the last month and leaves her belongings all over the apartment. Her room is starting to smell from the leftover food/dishes she leaves out. Enter the room and discuss this situation with her.”

• Only interact with the actor (observer is only there to watch)
• Do not direct questions or comments to observer
• If it seems appropriate, touch actor on shoulder, but nowhere else (could offer a handshake)
• There might be props in the room (e.g., a box of tissues or something that would be appropriate to use in the scenario)
• Often actors are told not to provide too much information until the applicant asks the right questions
• There is often a central conflict or reason for the interaction, and there can be an underlying issue or motivator to uncover through interaction with the actor
• Ask open questions to make the actor feel comfortable enough to share information. Examples include:
  • How can I help?
  • Why are you upset?
  • Why did you come to see me?
  • Why are you crying?
  • How are you feeling?
• Closed questions can be used to get specific information (usually limited to a very short response). Examples include:
  • Is there anything you want to talk about?
  • When did that happen?
  • Has this happened before?
  • Should I call someone to be with you?