“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 person is eventually able to get on the stage.
So what if the stage is taken out of the equation? Can a person who has never practiced improvisational theatre actually improvise, and if so, for what benefit?
(Hint: Of course the answer is, “yes!”)
Improv for Business
When business people let go of improv comedy, they discover it’s actually a tool for communicating and connecting. At the office, whether working with an internal team or with a client, employees must be in the moment, practice active listening, and be able to contribute to forward movement whether it’s brainstorming or problem solving. Improv’s “yes, and…” tool enables the corporate set to accept what is happening and build upon it in a collaborative, co-creative way making for a more flexible, adaptable team.
Improv for the Classroom
Improv builds trust and gets kids to laugh with each other instead of at each other. In the classroom, building support and trust makes for a more engaged class. More engagement means more learning is happening. This also enables students to be free to make mistakes while also growing their self-confidence.
Improv for Relationships
In improv we explore an alternate universe because we accept another person’s reality. By using the “yes, and …” tool we empathize with what the other person is saying based on their perspective of the situation. We focus on being open and engaging, so we don’t deny the other person’s reality. Imagine if we practiced that in our own relationships.
Improv for Seniors
Improv creates a built in community and an opportunity to make connections while also juicing creativity and imagination which enables seniors to thrive. Through improv, seniors are drawn into active social situations that keep isolation and loneliness at bay, which is important to senior mental – and physical – well-being.
There’s improv for medicine, for parenting, for first-year college students, for singles, for language learners, for non-profit managers, for humanitarians, for trainers and for just about any other kind of person or situation you can imagine – out in the world. Whatever the situation, improv makes us nicer, kinder people and isn’t that what the world needs more of as we continue to face life’s challenges – together?
-Amy Angelilli, Owner + Ringleader, Third Space Improv
Unlocking Business Potential with Corporate Training
To truly unlock your team’s full potential, corporate training must go beyond conventional thinking. By applying improv principles to the workplace, companies discover a highly impactful tool for business performance. An expert instructor can guide your staff through an improv workshop designed to teach agility and problem-solving. Unlike a standard seminar, this kind of experiential learning requires participants to step out of their comfort zone in a safe, inclusive way. Through focused storytelling and the “yes and” methodology, employees learn to respect the other’s perspective, build on other’s ideas, and collaborate more effectively.
Building a Cohesive Workplace Culture
The best improv happens when people actively listen and share a collaborative spirit. In a dedicated team building workshop, interactive workshops use specific improv exercises to improve team dynamics. Whether you are looking to enhance creativity or foster open communication, improv training helps employees hone their skills in empathy and reading body language. When you bring improv to your team, you create a cohesive work environment where team members feel valued. This team-building approach helps foster collaborative relationships, proving that the skills learned in improv theater are highly transferable to an everyday workplace culture.
Experiential Learning for Virtual and In-Person Teams
Since covid, navigating virtual meetings and virtual sales has required us to find new ways to connect. Interactive improv teaches professionals to be agile and able to quickly pivot during unscripted moments. The same teamwork used by professional improvisers at famous comedy hubs like ucb or second city works can transform your next team offsite. A dedicated improv experience or customized improv sessions will train your sales teams in thinking on your feet, empowering them to innovate creatively in any business environment.
Tailored Improv Workshops for Your Specific Needs
Every organization is different, which is why we specialize in deep customization. We will tailor and customize our corporate workshops to meet your exact team needs and specific needs and goals. Whether you have a small executive group or are organizing an exercise focused on team building for larger groups, we make improv accessible and transformational. To experience the true power of improv and address your specific needs, fill out our inquiry form or send us a direct inquiry. Let’s build a foundation of effective collaboration and help your organization grow together through the art of improvisation.
