In April 2026 we were invited to deliver a performance at a probation staff conference, exploring a theme that comes up again and again across the sectors we work in: professional curiosity.
To look beyond the obvious, to probe a little deeper, to ask more challenging questions and to explore the context a little further. Taking time to explore context, history and circumstance rather than stopping at behaviour alone.
This isn’t always about the willingness of individual staff, it’s also about systems that allow time and space for curiosity. Being curious takes time and it often creates more work as complexity is revealed.
In a police context, it might be about exploring what has driven a 15‑year‑old girl to shoplift, rather than simply prosecuting the offence.
In a social work context, it might mean pausing to ask what sits behind repeated missed appointments – fear, shame, previous involvement with services – rather than recording them as non‑compliance.
In a prison it might be asking why someone is repeatedly angry or withdrawn on the wing, and recognising unmet mental health needs, trauma, or neurodivergence rather than seeing only “poor behaviour”.
In a school, it could mean being curious about why a child is disruptive or disengaged, and considering what might be happening at home or in their wider world, rather than moving straight to discipline.
In a healthcare setting, it might be the difference between treating the immediate symptoms and asking about housing, substance use, domestic abuse or past trauma that make recovery harder.
At Geese, we often make this idea concrete through our use of mask. When a character is invited to lift their mask, they reveal thoughts, feelings and attitudes that they might not immediately share when engaging with professionals – offering a brief insight into what sits beneath the surface behaviour.
If you are curious about how theatre can play an integral part in developing your staff team we would love chat!
“From the outset, Geese were prompt with communication, engaged, willing to work with us to tailor the performance to meet our needs and really approachable and friendly. The event went really well, it delivered exactly what we wanted it to and everyone I spoke to at the event said how much they had enjoyed the session. Geese were engaging with the audience, the session was interactive and accurately depicted the work we do across a range of different scenes. I am so pleased we were able to have Geese at the event and thankyou so much for your time, dedication and hard work on the script!“
Rachel Crook, Head of Service for East and West Lincolnshire Probation Service
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Contact us if you’d like to find out more about commissioning a project with Geese.
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