The opposite of play is not work. It's depression.
Brian Sutton-Smith - New Zealand play theorist concerned with play philosophy in both children and adults
Asta#Plays in Business:
Stuff for Staff...with a Difference
Team building, workplace learning, employee engagement, collaboration workshops - whatever you call your corporate training, for a truly meaningful and perhaps slightly different out of the office session, take a look at the options below. All workshops are completely accessible - no previous experience required and alternative ability differentiation can be arranged in advance. Transform a potentially dreary day of meetings into a playful retreat of productivity, cohesion, and fun...
Drumming Circle
Drumming in groups has deep historical roots, serving as a tool for communication, celebration, and social cohesion in cultures around the world. In modern contexts, group drumming continues to offer powerful communal and psychological benefits. Research has shown that shared rhythmic activity can foster cooperation, improve group productivity, and enhance feelings of social connection - all of which will add value to your business' output and working conditions.
Corporate Choir
Through the power of singing, unlock peak team performance and mental well-being. Singing together is scientifically proven to reduce stress and release endorphins, creating a "feel-good" factor that leaves everyone feeling energized. A group singing activity is an excellent way to wake everyone up at the start of a day out of the office, whilst an extended session will embed strong social bonds and sense of achievement. Or make a choir rehearsal a regular event on the calendar...
Songwriting
For a completely unique team building exercise, choose a songwriting workshop. Consider how songs are used to instill a sense of camaraderie, pride, and identity in every day life. Now imagine how unifying and satisfying creating your very own company song could be for the team...Including a consultation to discuss your initial ideas and objectives, this workshop is sure to deliver a memorable and meaningful experience with a lasting effect on all who take part.
Drumming Circle
Benefits of staff participating in drumming circle workshops include team bonding, better continued cooperation, and general lifting of spirits. Drumming and percussion workshops are available for a limited number of participants (please get in touch for more information), and the recommended duration is 45 minutes to 1 hour. However, shorter sessions are also available. All equipment will be provided, but chairs for each participant (or space for sitting on the ground) will be required. There will need to be enough space for participants to sit in one circle. Why not consider being extra wholesome by taking the event outdoors so the team can connect with nature as well as each other?!
See bottom of the page for price details.
Corporate Choir
When focus shifts to process from product, even the most anxious singers find themselves enjoying the journey. The pure joy of being able to create and perform something together is priceless. With the guidance of an experienced choral director, your team can achieve musical prowess whilst having a great time, even with no prior experience. Choose from suggested songs (standard rep) which have been chosen for their versatility and uplifting vibes, or choose your own to suit your numbers, voices, and preferences. Consultation for this is free. There is no limit to number of participants, and all that is required is a large space and chairs for participants. A room with projector and sound system is beneficial, but not integral.
Alternatively, consider a booking a regular singing slot to enhance staff wellbeing and social cohesion, which could take place after work during the week for an agreed period of time...this could even lead to a performance or recording if you wanted to! Contact Asta#Plays for further details about costing a series of sessions, or for a list of standard rep. You can read more about the overall benefits of group singing in David Cox's article for BBC Future.
Songwriting
When composers write music, they are simply playing with ideas. Asta#Plays can lead you, step by step, through the process resulting in your very own song, which staff can perform by the end of the session. It really is simpler than it sounds! Your initial ideas, vision, and concept will be discussed during a free initial consultation period, to ensure your song really is yours. During the workshop, delegates will work together to create lyrics, choose song structure and style, and develop a melody line, resulting in a truly unique joint achievement. For an additional fee, recording options and creation of a backing track so you can sing along again and again are available. Did I mention? - no experience or instrument performance required (although if you do have some instrumentalists who would like to be included for fun, this is absolutely negotiable)! Start the process by reaching out now!
Prices
All services can be tailored for you and your team, including options to combine activities into half or full day events - contact for further details.
| Drumming Workshops | Starting from |
|---|---|
| 45 mins | £170 |
| 60 mins | £210 |
| 60 - 90 mins | £280 |
| 1.5 hrs + | Please contact for further details |
| Regular slots | Please contact for further details and discounts for a series of bookings |
| Corporate Choir | Starting from |
|---|---|
| 60 mins (standard rep) | £290 |
| 60 - 90 mins (standard rep) | £320 |
| 1.5 hrs + (standard rep) | Please contact for further details |
| Regular sessions | Please contact for further details and discounts for a series of bookings |
| Entirely bespoke service | For some services there may be an additional charge depending on arrangement and licensing requirements - please contact for further details |
| Songwriting | Starting from |
|---|---|
| 60 mins | £250 |
| 60 - 90 mins | £290 |
| 2 hrs | £350 |
| Recording | Recording options are available including creation of a backing track for future use - please contact for further details |
| Travel | Price |
|---|---|
| 30 mins from SP2 (Salisbury, Wilts) | FREE |
| Every additional 15 minutes thereafter | £7 per 15 mins |
| Travel by public transport | Charged at the most reasonable return fare available |
| Petrol | 46p/mile (as suggested by HMRC) |
| Additional tolls/parking/congestion charge etc | Billed to the client at cost |
Asta#Plays Inspiration: Brian Sutton-Smith
If you thought play was just for children, think again. Brian Sutton-Smith argued that play fosters creativity, resilience, and emotional health, describing it as a way humans rehearse for uncertainty and maintain flexibility in a changing world. His seminal work, The Ambiguity of Play (1997), challenged the idea that play is trivial, suggesting instead that it is central to human culture and psychological wellbeing. Through his research, he illuminated how play connects to joy, imagination, and the capacity to cope with complexity — qualities essential at any age.
Read some of his Open Access journal articles:
Play Theory: A Personal Journey and New Thoughts
The Virtuousness of Adult Playfulness - the Relation of Playfulness with Strength of Character
