From Curiosity to Adventure
Before joining the training course “LARP essentials for youth work”, our experience with LARP was almost… nonexistent. Which, honestly, feels like a missed opportunity. Coming from Bulgaria — where LARP communities and fantasy events are quite popular — we had somehow never truly stepped into this world ourselves.
That changed completely in Madeira, Portugal — a place that truly looks and feels magical, perfect for setting the mood for any adventure.
What Is LARP, Really?
LARP stands for Live Action Role Playing. Unlike board games or video games, LARP requires participants to physically step into a role and interact with others within a fictional scenario. It means placing yourself in unfamiliar situations, embodying a different character, and navigating conflicts — whether with the environment, the storyline, or other characters.
It is immersive, emotional, and unpredictable.
Not Just Educational — But Experiential
The course focused not on educational LARPs (which are widely used in youth work), but on LARPs in general. This distinction mattered. The goal was not for everyone to walk away with the exact same lesson. Instead, the focus was on personal journeys, individual discoveries, and unique experiences.
During the training, we stepped into many worlds and took on many identities — from fantasy creatures and curious cats to humans navigating the afterlife and other complex realities. Every scenario challenged us to think, feel, react, and reflect in new ways.
Becoming Game Masters
Beyond participating, we also learned how to facilitate LARPs ourselves — becoming game masters who create spaces for storytelling, character building, and, most of all, fun. We cannot wait to put these skills into practice.
Why It Matters
LARP is more than play. It is a powerful tool for empathy, creativity, self-awareness, and connection. It invites people to explore perspectives beyond their own and to step into someone else’s shoes.
The project was financially supported by the Erasmus+ Program through the Portuguese National Agency and implemented by Teatro Metaphora.
We return inspired, energized, and slightly wondering why we did not start LARPing sooner. One thing is certain: this is only the beginning.
