"An Amazing Opportunity:" Participants Reflect on Breaking Ice Performances

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By Kaley Johnson

A lot of laughter and a few tears and a lot of food for thought: Cook Children's employees experienced the award-winning “Breaking Ice” theatrical program that uses drama, humor, music, poetry and movement to help foster a more connected and understanding workplace.

Breaking Ice explores topics of systemic inequities, implicit bias, and common misperceptions in the workplace. It is a program of the Pillsbury House Theater, a nonprofit center for community and creativity based in Minneapolis. The theater group traveled to Texas to perform six live shows on March 6, 7 and 8 at the Medical Center-Fort Worth. The performances were live streamed so that employees across the System could participate virtually.

The show featured five professional actors and actresses who delved into difficult topics through skits designed to illustrate familiar situations employees might encounter at work. The subjects ranged from burnout, racism, sexism and how one's own perceptions may cloud how we see other people, 

“It is something that will make you feel uncomfortable. It will probably make you feel full of grace," said Christine Ayala, Senior Secretary for the Spiritual Care Department.

In one scenario, performers simulated an employee meeting about diversity and inclusion policies. The conversation emphasized the importance of policies going beyond words on paper and applying those discussions to the real world.

“It was an amazing opportunity to witness the vulnerability of trained individuals who are so good at helping us facilitate conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion,” said Miles Cantrell, Child Life Specialist.

Later in the performance, the performers gave short monologues that centered on personal fears related to diversity, equity and inclusion both inside and out the workplace.

One of the characters says: “I am afraid of being called out, accused, or canceled." 

“I am afraid that I am not Asian enough,” another says. “That my proximity to whiteness makes my voice unimportant.”

A third character focuses on the fear of the police and being judged for the body he inhabits.

Through voicing a variety of fears that people might feel every day, Breaking Ice performances aim to validate people's experiences while helping others consider hidden anxieties their colleagues might feel.

Jennifer Hayes, Director of the Spiritual Care Department, said participants might learn what others are going through, but also might see themselves and have their own worth validated.

In the final section, the performers shed their characters and shared personal poems about their identities; where they are from, how they grew up, how they see themselves and how others see them.

Following the performance, the performers served as facilitators to guide participants in small group discussions and interactive exercises. They asked people in the audience to write their own “I Am From” poems. Participants were invited to reflect on what their identity means to them, and to think about their colleagues’ identities. 

“We were given the opportunity to talk about what things we experienced in our life and how those things impacted who we are and the people we are today,” Miles said. “And how we show up every day at Cook Children’s.”

Then groups were invited to share their poems with their group. The activity spurred vulnerable, open discussions.

“It is an eye opener, to let me know that just because someone is this way, or because someone acts this way, we never really know," said Antia Jones, a Phlebotomist in the Outpatient Lab.

This special event provided a safe and supportive space for employees to connect with each other, challenge personal biases, and actively contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive Cook Children's.

Winifred King, Senior Vice President of Communications and Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Officer, said the experience was impactful.

“It is going to start our journey into inclusion, diversity and equity in a way that no one ever believed possible,” she said.