LARP Essentials for Youth Work

A LARP is a form of role-playing game where the participants physically portray their characters. The players pursue goals within a fictional setting represented by the real world while interacting with each other in character. The outcome of player actions may be mediated by game rules or determined by players. LARPs range in size from small private events lasting a few hours to significant public events with thousands of players lasting for days. LARP is rooted in childhood games of make-believe, play-fighting, costume parties, role-play simulations, improvisational theatre, military simulations, and historical re-enactment events. 

In the context of this project, we will explore and focus predominantly on LARPs that can be easily adjusted to the youth work field. This means LARPS that are easy to organise with young people, for beginners (in LARP and/or theatre in general), with little to no budget and in flexible locations. 

What can you gain as a Youth Worker from this course?

• A clear overview of what LARP is and what it is not (what makes LARP a LARP).
• Confidence in explaining basic LARP theory (specific terminology, types of LARP, main features, etc.) 
• Concrete practical experience in playing different LARPs (on almost every day of the course, a LARP will be played). 
• A strong understanding of the benefits of LARP among young people. 
• Knowledge of how LARP can be used in youth work.
• An increased motivation to use the LARP method with young people.

What can you gain on a personal level from this course?

• Creativity skills
• Self-Confidence 
• Reduced self-criticism 
• Enhanced communication skills 
• Increased ease in interacting with other individuals 
• Joyful and fun experience
• Improvisational skills 
• Increased empathetic capacity 
• Enhanced critical skills 
• A general feeling of empowerment
• Expanded comfort zone  

The course is firmly grounded in experiential learning principles and philosophy, with adequate time allocated for debriefing and reflection throughout the program. The working methods used are chosen to ensure equal participation by all participants, with everyone actively engaged in the process. The training activities are flexible and adaptable to group needs, taking into account participants' reactions, feedback, expressed needs, experience, and the way they will work as a group. 

The learning process will be guided and facilitated by an experienced team. This team has already designed training courses for youth workers to introduce LARP and build their capacity to apply it in their work. 

• Andreea-Loredana Tudorache has been involved in international youth work since 2003, in various capacities. She is one of the founders of A.R.T. Fusion Association and, over the years, has trained numerous professionals worldwide in various topics. (http://trainers.salto-youth.net/AndreeaLoredanaTudorache )
• Elena Stevkovska, youth worker, theatre facilitator and trainer since 2021 (https://www.salto-youth.net/tools/toy/elena-stevkovska.6009/ ) 

Do you resonate with this course and want to be part of it? This is who we are looking for: 

• Members or close collaborators of active Youth Organisations (staff or active members, paid or not) who are working regularly with young people. The organisation should have a valid OID number.
• Strong motivation to use LARP in their work with young people. (This course is for beginners in the LARP field, but we welcome more experienced LARP'ers as well)
• Good command of the English language; 
• People aged 18 or older with legal residence (documented) in the country where they currently reside. 

Obligatory condition: All participants must travel to and from the country where they are currently resident, and their sending organisation must be based in the same country as their residence. No exceptions will be made!