In improv, we practice saying, “yes” – a lot. As humans we are conditioned to find all the reasons why something won’t work. We look for excuses to shut down, to predict failure, to use “no” as a protective shield. In improv, the “yes” moves things forward on stage. Yes can also be used to…
Whenever a Level 1 Improv class ends, students scurry around connecting on Facebook and Instagram. They drag their feet leaving the room, while exchanging contact information, as no one wants the experience to come to an end. Why? Because although they entered the room as strangers only six weeks prior, the group forms bonds through…
Sometimes I refer to improv as an alternate reality. Where in our every day world can we mix it up with people who have our backs, people who put “we before me,” people who support us in moving forward – together? Third Space Improv serves as a container for people of different walks of life…
Some nights, after improv class ends, I spend time with my students by sharing a beer or a burrito. We’ll go over that evening’s lesson and then the conversation organically moves on to other subjects. Sometimes these conversations continue beyond the bites and brews – these are the ones I refer to as parking lot…
“I could never do that.” That’s usually the response I get from people seeing an improv show for the first time. Of course not. How could anyone go from watching an improv show to being in an improv show overnight? Perhaps the more appropriate phrase is, “I can’t do that right now.” With training, this…
Have you ever walked into a group space to find out you’ll be participating in experiential learning? Look around the room at the faces and the body language. Do you see clenched fists? Maybe people have started to grind their teeth a bit. Perhaps there’s even a sudden line at the rest rooms. Believe it…
Improvisation by definition is the art of accepting unforeseen circumstances. When referring to improvisational theatre, that resource is a script. So imagine a few actors with a few chairs and 25 minutes to fill. By being in the moment, listening to each other and working together, the actors are able to discover their purpose on…
A new year always reminds me that it’s the season to learn something — or to help others learn something. I love holding space for people who want to experience how improv might touch their lives. And, when someone discovers my improv background, I usually get the following responses: “Tell me a joke – go…
