The context may be either a gathering of diverse individuals or diverse stakeholder groups.

The forum begins with a primer of training in the theatrical techniques of ensemble-based thinking, collaborative creation models and improvisational presence.

An intensive creating laboratory follows the training. Small groups are created amongst participants, intentionally diverse, and all are presented with a common theme. This may be a pre-determined subject, or one chosen randomly from participants’ suggested topics for exploration. Groups are then given 4 hours to create and prepare a 10 minute presentation or performance, containing whatever that particular group chooses to communicate, present as a “solution”, etc.  The final portion of the CFE consists of presentations, analysis and de-brief.

The guiding rules/criteria are:

• The groups self-organize;                                                                                                          
• Each member of the group contributes something to the presentation about which they are passionate or care deeply;                      
• There is no prescribed form for the presentation; it may be a PPT, a lecture, a play, a dance, a concert, or any hybrid/combination.

The intention of the Forum is not to create great art, or even to devise workable solutions to complex problems – although both may result from the endeavor. Instead, this is a toolbox-building, intensely practical format for changing the nature of our conversations. It is an exercise in shifting the quality and quantity of our communication, both with ourselves and with others. The operating premise is that a key to thriving in this increasingly complex, interconnected world is our capacity to engage novelty and change.